Bundy Mixer launches, creating world’s first mixed gender rugby fantasy league

Just in time for the kick off to the NRLW Premiership season, Bundy Rum has partnered with the game to excite NRL and NRLW fans everywhere - launching the world’s first official mixed gender fantasy league, the Bundy Mixer.

It comes off the back of a monumental match between the Cowboys and Bulldogs in Bundaberg on Sunday.

Now, the region is in for even more good news on the footy front.

Just in time for the kick off to the NRLW Premiership season, Bundy has partnered with the game to excite NRL and NRLW fans everywhere, launching the world’s first official mixed gender fantasy league, the Bundy Mixer.

For the first time, fans will be able to build their team by selecting players from both the men’s and women’s leagues, bringing focus to the player’s stats and game play, not their gender.

Fans nationwide will now be able to “pick the best of the best, not just the best of the blokes”.

Observing the rapidly rising stars of the women’s rugby league, Bundy Rum approached the NRL to bring the Bundy Mixer to life in line with their increased NRLW sponsorship.

Bundy Rum marketing manager Jodi McLeod approached the NRL about the idea of a mixed fantasy league.

With a focus on encouraging women in sport, Ms McLeod spoke to players about what Bundy Rum could do to help, because women’s sport “still has a long way to go”.

One thing that needed action was raising the profile of female players, helping female athletes to become more familiar.

“Aussies love sport and love NRL, so we’re excited to elevate the women’s game and NRLW players by bringing the famous Bundy to the new Bundy Mixer fantasy league,” Ms McLeod said.

Queensland’s Ali Brigginshaw is excited for the new mixed league.

“At Bundy we want to champion the profiles of the women’s game, highlight the capabilities of the female players and influence Aussies to engage in the game and assist us in our pursuit to create equal space for everyone in sport.

“We are proud to be supporting the NRLW and are looking forward to seeing the Bundy Mixer come to life – and get more people involved in the game.”

Ms McLeod said one obstacle female players often faced was their struggles as women, rather than talk of their skills on the field.

NRL executive general manager of performance and pathways, Tain Drinkwater, said that growing the women’s game at all levels was a key priority.

“The NRL is committed to growing the women’s game on and off the field and the Bundy Mixer is such an exciting step in recognising our superstar female players,” she said.

“I want to thank Bundy who have been incredibly committed to supporting us in our growth strategy and invested in promotion of women’s rugby league.

“It’s now the game’s fastest growing participation area and the elite competition goes from strength to strength with four new NRLW Premiership teams next year.”

Brisbane Bronco Ali Brigginshaw said it was an exciting opportunity to advocate for equal opportunity.

“The Bundy Mixer is a great way to champion the profiles of the women’s game, highlight the capabilities of the female players and influence Aussies to engage in the NRLW and assist in our pursuit to create equal space for everyone in sport,” she said.

“It helps celebrate individual players for the uniqueness of their strengths on a level playing field, without emphasising our differences.

“The Bundy Mixer is a world-first leading initiative, and I’m excited to help bring the inaugural version to life and inspire the next generation of young Aussies everywhere.”

For Ms Brigginshaw, it’s about connecting fans with the game they love.

“I think this is an important step in recognising the superstar female players that are proud to call the NRLW home, and help Aussie fans everywhere understand and connect with the incredible talent that runs deep within both the NRL and NRLW leagues,” she said.

And for added fun, there’ll even be a chance to play with Bundy Bear.