Central Coast Rugby League: inaugural women’s tackle competition kicks off this weekend

The Central Coast Rugby League season might be heading into round six, but this weekend is set to be one of the biggest in recent history as the inaugural women’s tackle competition kicks off.

The Central Coast senior men’s, under-19s and league tag competitions might have started last month, but this weekend’s action is set to be one of the biggest of the season with the launch of the inaugural women’s tackle competition.

Seven clubs – Berkeley Vale, Budgewoi, Erina, Terrigal, The Entrance, Toukley and Woy Woy – will battle it out to be crowned the first winners of the competition.

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“I’m really stoked about it. We haven’t had this opportunity before,” said Terrigal’s Elysia Atkins.

“We’ve had to either travel to Sydney or Newcastle if we wanted to play in these teams, so it’s really exciting that we’ve got an actual comp here on the Central Coast.”

The establishment of the competition builds on the rapid rise of women’s participation in rugby league, which increased by 22 per cent between 2019 and 2022, and is set for more double-digit growth this year.

“We didn’t expect this many teams to be involved,” said Atkins. “We were thinking maybe four teams, we didn’t expect another three on board, so it’s really, really exciting.”

The Entrance Tigers and Terrigal-Wamberal Sharks women’s tackle sides after a recent trial game. Photo: supplied.

Like Atkins, who represents Australia in Oztag, many of the women strapping on the boots this season come from a either touch football, Oztag or league tag background, and are keen to use the skills they have and give tackle a go.

“I think it is really exciting that there are these opportunities to really develop as players and use the skills that we can transfer from other codes.”

However she notes that the development of the NRLW in recent years, with Central Coast products Kirra Dibb and Jayme Fressard going on to become stars of the game, has also been a key attraction for many.

“All those girls have been playing with us for such a long time, and to see them grow, they’ve kind of become an inspiration to the young age group, who are really, really excited,” says Atkins

“There are a few girls who have changed codes. They’ve gone form soccer to league to see if they can make it.”

And while it might be the first season that most have played official, organised tackle footy, it doesn’t mean they haven’t had plenty of experience and exposure to it before.

“There are girls whose families have grown up with footy,” said Atkins. “There are plenty whose brothers have always played, so they’ve played in the back yard and got pretty tough that way.”

The Sharks will be one of seven teams competing in this year’s inaugural women’s tackle competition. Photo: supplied.

As for goals and ambitions for the season, while all want to lift the trophy at the end of the year, Atkins says that there is much more at stake.

“I think obviously winning the first premiership would be outstanding, it will make history,” she said.

“But I think it’s also about developing my skills, and doing that with that sense of community. Women’s sport has been in the shadows for so long and I’m just really excited that there is this opportunity to showcase women’s talent.”

Indeed, while all teams will be going for the win, they’ll be hoping that women’s tackle league is the biggest victor come the end of the season.

“A lot of us are all mates, so we just want the best for each other and we all the competition to succeed,” said Atkins.

“Obviously there’s going to be some rivalry when the game starts, but we all want the competition to succeed and grow, which is a really good platform to start on. I’m just really excited. I’m beyond stoked.”