NRLW locks in draw for expanded season after tackling FIFA Women’s World Cup venue clashes
The NRLW season will start on July 22. BRENDAN BRADFORD reports on the key changes, how clubs fared in the draw – and the five unmissable games to put in your calendar.
NRLW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRLW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The expanded NRLW competition will kick off on July 22 after the league locked in its draw, having worked around stadium availability issues sparked by the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
With the Raiders, Sharks, Cowboys and Tigers joining the competition, the regular season is nine rounds long, up from five rounds over the past two seasons. Every game will be broadcast on Fox Sports and Kayo as part of their continued commitment to rugby league.
The draw will feature nine standalone double headers and 18 club double headers, with NRLW games being played before NRL matches.
There had been delays in finalising the draw as the NRL plotted a path around stadiums booked by the FIFA showpiece, which kicks off on the same weekend as NRLW.
The expanded competition set off a player signing frenzy over the past two months, with a host of the game’s biggest stars on the move.
Jillaroos stars Millie Boyle and Tarryn Aiken have both signed with the Roosters, and will line up alongside fellow internationals Jessica Sergis and Isabelle Kelly, who have both re-signed with the Tricolours.
Boyle and Aiken both won two NRLW premierships with the Broncos in 2019 and 2020, and will play their old club in round one this season. Boyle captained the Knights to Newcastle’s maiden premiership last season, and will make her first trip back to McDonald Jones Stadium in round nine on September 9.
The Cowboys kick-off their first season in the NRLW with a Queensland derby against the Titans, who have announced the blockbuster signing of New Zealand Rugby Sevens superstar Niall Williams.
Williams – sister of Sonny Bill – will likely play in the centres for the Titans, who will be looking to improve on their last-placed finish in 2022.
North Queensland then play the defending champion Knights before hosting the Broncos in a blockbuster first home game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in round three.
“Since our NRL team entered the premiership in 1995, we have forged one of the great rugby league rivalries and true Queensland derby with the Brisbane Broncos, so it is only fitting to play our first ever home NRLW game against our traditional rivals,” said Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel.
“Our further two games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium are terrific opportunities to showcase the women’s game, firstly with a standalone game against the Sharks in round five, followed by an all NRLW double-header in round seven.”
The Brett Kimmorley-coached Wests Tigers open their inaugural NRLW season against the Eels at CommBank Stadium on July 23. The Tigers struck a blow against their Western Sydney rivals by announcing a raft of signings, headlined by gun fullback Botille Vette-Welsh, earlier this month.
“I know releasing the fixtures happens every year in the NRL and NRLW but for us, this is something quite special,” Kimmorley said.
“This is our very first season and I am thrilled to be a part of it.
“We have announced the bulk of our side, and now we know who we’re playing and where.
“This is such an exciting time for Wests Tigers, a new chapter and so many new opportunities.”
The Sharks have made some huge off-season signings, with Origin and Test stars Emma Tonegato, Jada Taylor and Holli Wheeler all set to run out for the club’s first game against fellow newcomers the Raiders at Pointsbet Stadium in round one.
Former Dally M medallist Tonegato won a Sevens gold medal at the Rio Olympics and brings a wealth of experience from a decade at the top of both codes.
“I had a few decisions to make, and ultimately it came down to what was exciting for me,” Tonegato said.
“I’m really excited to be a part of the inaugural team and be a part of the way NRLW is shaped at the club.”
Games to watch:
Round one – Eels vs Tigers: Sunday, July 23 at CommBank Stadium
A traditional rugby league rivalry, this one was made even more mouth-watering after the Tigers signed five players from Parra.
After already nabbing fullback Botille Vette-Welsh, Wests landed Christian Pio, Navjada George, Rikeya Horne, Tess Staines and Losana Lutu.
Round three – Eels vs Knights: Sunday, August 6 at CommBank Stadium
Round three sees a 2022 grand final rematch between the Eels and the Knight at CommBank Stadium. The Eels have had a fairly high player turnover, while Newcastle are looking to continue where they left off last season.
Round five – Tigers vs Dragons: Saturday, August 19 at CommBank Stadium
This round five showdown will be Kezie Apps’ first game against her old side after making the surprise off-season switch to Concord.
One of the highest profile NRLW stars in the country, Apps played for the Red V for five years, and captained the side last year.
Round five – Raiders vs Eels: Sunday, August 20 at GIO Stadium
This is another case of a former captain playing their old side, with the Raiders signing former Eels leader Simaima Taufa.
Taufa played 21 times for the Eels, scoring seven tries and leading them out against the Knights in the 2022 decider.
Round eight – Knights vs Roosters: Saturday, September 9 at McDonald Jones Stadium
Millie Boyle’s high profile move to the star-studded Roosters turns this into must-watch footy.
The fact that it’s at her old home ground makes it even more intriguing.
More Coverage
Originally published as NRLW locks in draw for expanded season after tackling FIFA Women’s World Cup venue clashes
NRLW Tackle: Roosters teen rubbed out of season for hip drop
A second grade-three hip drop charge has been dished out from the weekend’s games, effectively ending the season of Rooster Eliza Lopamaua. Plus, the Broncos have been hit with a major injury blow and more in The NRLW Tackle.
‘Boots on the ground’: Cowboys address Cairns expansion
After months of speculation, the North Queensland Cowboys have outlined their vision to expand the club’s presence in Cairns with a string of multimillion dollar developments on the cards.