Women’s comp kicks off in style
THE NRL has revealed plans to lure athletes from rival codes to rugby league, as they search for the best talent for their four-team women’s premiership.
The governing body yesterday revealed their final line-up, with the Broncos, Roosters, Dragons and Warriors all granted licences for the inaugural season.
Launched under the branding “same game, our way”, the NRL opted to go with only four teams in the first year after consultation with top players.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg also revealed they planned to tap into talent outside of the rugby league pathways, with a “Talent ID” event to be held in May.
“The idea is to effectively have a talent pool of new women who are playing other sports so they can come in and trial,” he said.
“It gives them an opportunity to show their wares and there will be spotters from those four clubs looking for new players to come in.”
Broncos coach Paul Dyer will be at the May 31 event.
He said once he signed his marquee players, he would leave several spots open in his squad of 22 for those who might display a natural talent at the combine or for those playing in state competitions.
While the NRL is looking to poach athletes from other sports, both Greenberg and Dyer gave a nod to the success of their rival codes and the help they have provided so far.
Greenberg said the NRL had talked with their counterparts in the AFL and women’s cricket to help set policies, especially around the relocation and welfare of players working full-time or were mothers.