Many elite women athletes have to choose between sport and career, but Komatsu has made it possible for Aussie rugby star Trilleen Pomare to have the best of both worlds.
Trilleen, who is Operations Manager at Komatsu Australia’s Distribution Centre in Welshpool, Western Australia, is a member of the Australian Wallaroos, and recently qualified for the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Opportunity at every career stage
Trilleen joined Komatsu in 2017, the same year she debuted with the Wallaroos. Starting on the floor as an entry-level team member, she rose through the ranks, gaining experience in various roles, from freight handling to leading shifts and ultimately stepping into management. “I had good leaders who believed in me,” she says. “They saw potential and invested in my growth, and that opportunity has shaped my career path.”
Komatsu’s flexible approach means Trilleen can take time out to meet training and playing commitments – and the benefit for Komatsu is that it gives the business a chance to let someone else gain valuable experience in a manager role, benefitting from the same supportive culture that allowed Trilleen to thrive. “If an absence would destabilise the team, we’re not fostering true leadership,” Trilleen explains. “This approach lets people step up, learn, and grow in a supported environment.”
Skills that cross the line between rugby and leadership
Trilleen credits her elite sports background with cultivating skills that serve her well in management, from conflict resolution to resilience. “In rugby, you build trust through shared goals and facing challenges together,” she says. “At work, I take that same approach – you have to understand that people perform best when they feel valued and part of something bigger.”
Trilleen’s focus on team cohesion and adaptability aligns with Komatsu’s inclusive culture and creates a positive feedback loop where her work and sports life support one another. “Rugby has taught me agility,” she says. “It’s about adjusting the goals based on each day’s challenges, whether on the field or managing my team. Not everyone wants to be a supervisor, but everyone wants to feel they’ve contributed meaningfully.”
Championing women’s sport and creating a legacy for the future
Trilleen’s commitment to women’s rugby goes beyond her own ambitions; she’s passionate about increasing representation from Western Australia in the Wallaroos. “Historically, players from WA haven’t had as much opportunity as those from the east. I want to change that,” she says. “My goal is to leave a legacy where more players from my home state get the support and opportunities to reach the national level.”
For Komatsu, the opportunity to support Trilleen underscores a larger vision of promoting inclusivity and diversity in sport. The company has supported Trilleen’s journey from her debut to her leadership role today, as she now mentors the next generation of Komatsu team members. “Komatsu has shown a genuine commitment to supporting women in sport,” she says. “Not just financially, but through actions, allowing flexible hours and recognising the value of what we do.”
A future defined by opportunity and impact
As Trilleen prepares for the 2025 World Cup, she continues to build a strong foundation in her career at Komatsu. Her goal isn’t just to progress her career but to create a sustainable leadership structure, encouraging team members to step into new roles with confidence. “I’m not gatekeeping my position,” she says. “The real success is creating depth within the organisation - having a leadership team that can support each other and evolve.”