Women get shot in big league

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg has confirmed there will be a women’s competition introduced next year.

Up to six clubs will be awarded licences to take part, with applications to open soon.

The competition will be held as double headers in conjunction with NRL finals matches in the 2018 season.

Fourteen clubs have already expressed an interest in being part of the first competition after being briefed at the meeting of CEOs this week.

The NRL will contract 40 female players as part of the elite women’s program.

“In other words, we are taking the women’s game to a new level,” Greenberg said.

“For the first time, there will be a dedicated pathway for our women — from grassroots junior league, to state competitions and on to premiership matches and representative Origin and Test match opportunities.

“The women’s game has become an attraction in its own right and anyone who has seen the Jillaroos in action cannot help but be impressed by the skills and athleticism on display.

“The NRL is determined to provide the right channels for women to follow and play rugby league — and today is a great starting point.”

As well as the competition, the NRL also announced a stand-alone State of Origin game, state leagues that will be run by the NSWRL and QRL, a national championships and annual talent combine. There will also be additional training camps for contracted players.

Women’s league has been the fastest-growing area of the game and experienced a 32 per cent increase in 2017. There are now more than 110 female competitions in Australia.