logo
A 17-team NRLW competition could be on its way as broadcast deal beckons

A 17-team NRLW competition could be on its way as broadcast deal beckons

News.com.au21 hours ago
Fox League presenter Lara Pitt hopes the NRLW will soon reach the stage where every NRL club fields a team in the booming women's competition.
The 10-team competition has this year expanded to 12 in an all new look for the women's game, including a top six incentive.
Watch every game of the 2025 NRL Women's Premiership LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
But a competition that commenced with just four teams back in 2018 could have a full slate of teams right around the corner.
'The end game would have to be to see every NRL club have their own NRLW side,' Pitt said.
'How quickly they do that will entirely come down to the way the NRL looks at it from a strategic perspective, whether there's enough talent coming through.
'I'm hoping there's the right people at NRL HQ looking at that very closely to ensure we don't expand too quickly.
'However, it's my understanding that when they negotiate the new CBA deal for the girls, which I believe is going to be done ahead of the 2028 season, that's when it looks like we could have equal men's and women's teams.
'So it's not far away. We're only five teams off.'
Pitt is set to lead Fox and Kayo's weekly show, NRLW on Fox, kicking off before the season opener on July 3 between the Cronulla Sharks and Parramatta Eels.
This season's expansion means the Dolphins, Storm, Panthers, Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs are the only remaining clubs without an NRLW side, which might not be for long.
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are the newest to the pack in 2025, joined by a Warriors side returning to the competition for the first time since 2020, bringing a slew of cross-code talent with them.
'It says a lot about where the NRLW is going,' the Fox host said.
'And I'm sure that rugby union isn't happy about it, but the fact is the (league) comps are only getting better.'
The move of stars from union to league has come thick and fast in recent years with more women seeing potential in the game and a growing supporter base with the backing of the code.
'There are people out there that want to see what the next chapter of their careers look like, so that will only encourage more people to follow Women's Rugby League, which is really exciting,' Pitt said.
'Any coach in the NRLW that's worked with girls that have come from the Sevens program will say they are elite and they bring a great level of professionalism into the NRLW environment.
'So that's only going to be a good thing for the young girls that are learning how it's done.'
The game has progressed by a mile since four teams started things off in 2018, but for Pitt, there's always room for more.
'I've dubbed it (2025) the season of more because more teams means more new faces, more rivalries and one more week of finals,' she said.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Parramatta Eels defeat Cronulla Sharks 18-16 in NRLW round one
Parramatta Eels defeat Cronulla Sharks 18-16 in NRLW round one

ABC News

time38 minutes ago

  • ABC News

Parramatta Eels defeat Cronulla Sharks 18-16 in NRLW round one

Revenge was sweet for Parramatta as they delivered a home defeat for Cronulla by 18-16 to kick off their 2025 NRLW season in style. The scoreline was the same when the Sharks pipped the Eels in their last meeting, in round two last year. It also kept Parramatta's strong away record intact, now five away wins in a row. Eels coach Steve Georgallis said there was a definite "fire in the belly" among his players from last year's disappointing fifth placing, missing the finals by one spot. "We thought we had the team to make the finals and we probably looked back at that Cronulla game we should have won," he said. "As a coach, that gave us some impetus towards this week to give them a bit of fire in the belly and get up for the game." Attacking kicks by halfback Rachael Pearson, darting runs by Maroons player Rory Owen, and brick-wall defence by forwards led by Elsie Albert and Chloe Jackson set up the win. Jackson was also a force in attack, scoring two tries. Cronulla had 13 players in their side who took part in last year's grand final defeat to the Sydney Roosters,compared to an Eels outfit containing five NRLW debutants. But the Eels high completion rate of 87 per cent and lower error rate — seven to the Sharks's 11 — proved the difference. "Our grit, our try-line defence … we never gave up," Georgallis said. "We worked so hard for each other and that's one of the traits from last year I'm so happy they've brought through to this playing group." The Eels were straight onto the job, scoring two tries in their first two forays inside the Sharks 20-metre zone, which helped set up a 12-6 half-time lead. Second rower Jackson fell on the ball over the line after a Pearson kick ricocheted off the goal-post pad, then six minutes later Pearson chipped ahead for herself and scored in the 13th minute. Pearson's two conversions had Parramatta sitting pretty at 12-0. Sharks captain Tiana Penitani Gray said her side's defence wasn't up to scratch. "And we let them in early with yardage penalties and early errors. They built momentum off those opportunities," she said. "It wasn't our style of footy that first half with our low completions." The home side's first try took 28 minutes after several scoring opportunities ended unhappily. After a good bust from lock Brooke Anderson against her old club, interchange prop Filomina Hanisi barged over under the posts. The conversion by Georgia Hannaway put the Sharks back in the hunt (12-6). Hanisi had the worst of starts to the second half, hurting her left knee in a tackle and having to be helped off the field by trainers. She will have scans. However, the Sharks were next to score, taking advantage of injured Eel Taneka Todhunter in back-play. Cronulla kept advancing towards the line and utility Nakia Davis-Welsh made a darting 10-metre solo run to the line. Five minutes later and despite some valiant Eels goal-line defence once again, hooker Quincy Dodd darted through from dummy-half to give Cronulla the lead for the first time (16-14) in the match. It didn't last long before Jackson grabbed her second, burrowing through Cronulla defenders. Parramatta nearly added to their score when winger Zali Fay went for a dash down the touchline but fullback Emma Verran caught her in cover defence a metre out from the line. AAP

Jockey Tommy Berry excited by Welwal's hopes in the wet in Winter Stakes at Rosehill
Jockey Tommy Berry excited by Welwal's hopes in the wet in Winter Stakes at Rosehill

News.com.au

time2 hours ago

  • News.com.au

Jockey Tommy Berry excited by Welwal's hopes in the wet in Winter Stakes at Rosehill

Star jockey Tommy Berry is brimming with confidence Welwal's form upswing and a wet track can deliver a late season stakes success at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Berry and the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr -trained import narrowly missed out in the Listed Civic Stakes last start and will attempt to go one better in the Listed $200,000 Winter Stakes (1400m). It was the first time Berry had ridden Welwal under race conditions in the Civic Stakes and the performance left the gun hoop convinced the gelding is ready to win. Welwal only had a couple of runners behind him in the Royal Randwick test before surging home down the outside to finish a close second to Headley Grange. 'He was ready to run a big race and the stable knew that as well, they were very confident with his chances,' Berry said. 'They would have liked a bit more give in the ground to be a good thing but they will get that this weekend. 'I am surprised the market hasn't reacted to that this weekend because he is an ideal wet tracker and off the back off his last start, you would have thought he would be harder in the market but I am happy with the way he is going.' Welwal has been a drifter in early betting from $6 out to $7.50 with punters looking to land a plunge on Whinchat, which has been sensationally backed from $15 into $4.80 favouritism. Welwal was brought to Australia to target the Golden Eagle and spent his early years in Australia with Chris Waller before joining Price and Kent Jr last spring. The six-year-old boasts Group 3 wins in both hemispheres with his biggest win on Australian shores coming in last year's Heffernan Stakes at Caulfield on heavy ground. Headley Grange adds the Listed Civic Stakes to his impressive record, and it's a Randwick treble to Jason Collett! 🙌 @PrideRacing @aus_turf_club â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 21, 2025 • It was an uneventful start to this preparation for the imported talent but his Civic Stakes performance was a reminder of his ability. 'He is a better horse than this grade,' Berry said. 'I suppose he has lost his way a little bit since he has come over but the stable were confident heading into last start that he is has been getting back to that better form. 'He gave me that feeling in his trial so it didn't take much convincing to tell me he was going well. 'I think he would have gained a lot of confidence out of that the other day.' While Welwal is undoubtedly a class galloper, Berry will link up with perhaps the most exciting young horse in the program to start his day on Raging Force. The Peter Snowden -trained Raging Force has announced himself as a genuine spring carnival contender this preparation after backing up a dominant first-up victory at Muswellbrook with an eye-catching success at Randwick Kensington. That's a big win at Randwick to Raging Force, who makes it two wins in a row! ðŸ'° @TommyBerry21 @SnowdenRacing1 @aus_turf_club @Darby_Racing â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 25, 2025 The son of Cosmic Force is an even money favourite to bring up a winning hat-trick in the Thank You ATC Members 2YO Open (1100m). 'Raging Force is a lovely horse,' Berry said. 'He has always showed us quite a bit but it has just taken a while for the penny to drop. 'Every year you see one or two horses over the winter that catch your eye. 'Autumn Boy is one that won really well in Brisbane and this guy, what he did last start with the winkers on was quite impressive.' Raging Force has drawn in the inside in the opening event on the program. He has led the field up in both of his starts this preparation but Berry insists he doesn't necessarily need to lead. 'I reckon he will be better with a trail anyway and looks like he might get that. ' Blake Ryan 's horse (Just Awesome) that I rode on debut, he has plenty of speed and probably more than me. 'He is a horse that will take you right into the race as well. It is probably going to afford us the opportunity to be ridden with cover on the weekend and I am excited what he can bring.' â– â– â– â– â– Gate open to another win Well-bred gelding Gatekeeper was bred to be a star and gun jockey Tommy Berry reckons the Chris Waller-trained galloper could be ready to start delivering on his potential. Berry will have a strong hand for Waller at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday and will attempt to help Gatekeeper remain unbeaten in the The Agency Real Estate Benchmark 72 Handicap (1300m). Breeding powerhouse Coolmore are in the ownership of Gatekeeper and have been forced wait patiently to see the gelding produce on the track. The three-year-old is a son of US champion Justify out of Australian Group 1 winner Nakeeta Jane. Nakeeta Jane was a placegetter in the 2018 Group 1 Flight Stakes before returning in the autumn to claim her maiden major in the Surround Stakes. . @mcacajamez gets his first win in Australia for the year with Gatekeeper finding the gap and taking out the first at Canterbury! ðŸ'¥ @cwallerracing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 17, 2025 • Shayne O'Cass's tips, analysis for Rosehill Gardens on Saturday Berry piloted Gatekeeper in his first public appearance last May when he finished sixth in a trial at Rosehill Gardens but it wasn't for another eight months until the well-bred talent was produced at the races. Gatekeeper proved to be worth the wait when doing his best work late to score in a 1250m event at Canterbury on January 17 this year. Berry has ridden Gatekeeper in trackwork since and expects a bold showing from the three-year-old first-up. 'He gives you a lovely feel,' Berry said. 'He works good at home and is one of those horses that has always taken a bit of time and Chris has given him that. 'He has been accepted a few times in different races and drawn poorly. 'They've waited for a good alley (barrier five) for him and he's got that on the weekend. 'He's got quality on his side.' Bookies rate Gatekeeper as a $4.80 favourite to make it two from two to start his career with first emergency Lunaite well supported from $8 into $5. Berry also has the rides on Sounds Unusual ($8), Useapin ($10) and Cigar Flick ($8.50) for Sydney's leading conditioner.

Josh Papalii could play against Raiders in 2026
Josh Papalii could play against Raiders in 2026

The Advertiser

time2 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

Josh Papalii could play against Raiders in 2026

Canberra great Josh Papalii insists he still has a lot to offer as a player and has kept the option of playing elsewhere in the NRL in 2026 open. The 33-year-old prop is back with the Queensland team ahead of his 24th and final State of Origin game and was asked in Maroons camp about his club future. Papalii now has the most games in the top grade for the Raiders but will not be at the club next year. While Super League has been touted as the competition where he will finish his career, Papalii is yet to make a call on his next move. "I'm still unsure," he said. "I feel like I still got a lot to offer as a player and as a mentor and just being an older head I still feel like I can still play good footy, and I think our season down in Canberra is sort of showing that. "Holding the record for Canberra now and overtaking Jason Croker down there with the most games for Canberra Raiders is obviously very special, and that's how I sort of want to keep it. "But if the team that you're playing for is not offering you another contract for the following year and you want to play on, you've obviously got to look elsewhere. "You never say never. I still feel like I've got a lot of footy in me, whether that's in the NRL or Super League." Papalii won't be available for Saturday's home clash with St George Illawarra due to his Origin commitments. The top-of-the-table Raiders are marching towards a minor premiership and the 321-game Papalii has been a prime reason why. He's playing great and enjoying it at the same time. "You put an older head amongst younger boys, there's a bit of control and obviously a bit of fun off-field and all that," he said. "We know how to go about our work. I'm just taking it one week at a time. I am a bit older, but a bit wiser too, I think." Canberra great Josh Papalii insists he still has a lot to offer as a player and has kept the option of playing elsewhere in the NRL in 2026 open. The 33-year-old prop is back with the Queensland team ahead of his 24th and final State of Origin game and was asked in Maroons camp about his club future. Papalii now has the most games in the top grade for the Raiders but will not be at the club next year. While Super League has been touted as the competition where he will finish his career, Papalii is yet to make a call on his next move. "I'm still unsure," he said. "I feel like I still got a lot to offer as a player and as a mentor and just being an older head I still feel like I can still play good footy, and I think our season down in Canberra is sort of showing that. "Holding the record for Canberra now and overtaking Jason Croker down there with the most games for Canberra Raiders is obviously very special, and that's how I sort of want to keep it. "But if the team that you're playing for is not offering you another contract for the following year and you want to play on, you've obviously got to look elsewhere. "You never say never. I still feel like I've got a lot of footy in me, whether that's in the NRL or Super League." Papalii won't be available for Saturday's home clash with St George Illawarra due to his Origin commitments. The top-of-the-table Raiders are marching towards a minor premiership and the 321-game Papalii has been a prime reason why. He's playing great and enjoying it at the same time. "You put an older head amongst younger boys, there's a bit of control and obviously a bit of fun off-field and all that," he said. "We know how to go about our work. I'm just taking it one week at a time. I am a bit older, but a bit wiser too, I think." Canberra great Josh Papalii insists he still has a lot to offer as a player and has kept the option of playing elsewhere in the NRL in 2026 open. The 33-year-old prop is back with the Queensland team ahead of his 24th and final State of Origin game and was asked in Maroons camp about his club future. Papalii now has the most games in the top grade for the Raiders but will not be at the club next year. While Super League has been touted as the competition where he will finish his career, Papalii is yet to make a call on his next move. "I'm still unsure," he said. "I feel like I still got a lot to offer as a player and as a mentor and just being an older head I still feel like I can still play good footy, and I think our season down in Canberra is sort of showing that. "Holding the record for Canberra now and overtaking Jason Croker down there with the most games for Canberra Raiders is obviously very special, and that's how I sort of want to keep it. "But if the team that you're playing for is not offering you another contract for the following year and you want to play on, you've obviously got to look elsewhere. "You never say never. I still feel like I've got a lot of footy in me, whether that's in the NRL or Super League." Papalii won't be available for Saturday's home clash with St George Illawarra due to his Origin commitments. The top-of-the-table Raiders are marching towards a minor premiership and the 321-game Papalii has been a prime reason why. He's playing great and enjoying it at the same time. "You put an older head amongst younger boys, there's a bit of control and obviously a bit of fun off-field and all that," he said. "We know how to go about our work. I'm just taking it one week at a time. I am a bit older, but a bit wiser too, I think."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store