Women’s rugby league World Cup to be held concurrently with men’s event for first time in 2017

HISTORY will be made when a women’s rugby league World Cup runs parallel to the men’s tournament for the first time in 2017.

Kiwi Ferns' captain Sarina Fiso and Jillaroos captain Ruan Sims will clash in Sydney next year.

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JILLAROOS skipper Ruan Sims remembers the days of chook and meat tray raffles to fundraise she and her teammates to rugby league World Cups.

New Zealand skipper Serena Fiso dug deep into her own pocket just four years ago for around $1000 for the honour of representing her country at the tournament.

But next year both will compete beside the biggest names in the international men’s game when the women’s World Cup is held concurrently with the men’s event for the first time in history.

And Sims is banking on sports fans and league fans alike being floored by the skills and thrills of the game at the international level.

“We really play with old-school rugby league passion,’’ said Sims of the reigning World Cup Jillaroos side. “They will be amazed.

Kiwi Ferns' captain Sarina Fiso and Jillaroos captain Ruan Sims. Pic: Brett Costello

“This is fantastic, a major breakthrough for us to be on the world stage with the men.

“It’s the opportunity to showcase just how great this game is, win over new fans and also new players to the game.’’

For Sims, playing matches at her home ground in Sydney’s south, is “a dream come true’’.

With backing from the NSW Government, pool matches and the semi-finals of the women’s World Cup will be played at Southern Cross Group Stadium from November 16, 2017.

The women’s and men’s World Cup finals will be played as a double-header at Brisbane Stadium on December 2.

Ruan Sims with her Cronulla Sharks teammates befopre a recent nines match with St George Illawarra.

“To have both the women’s and men’s finals played on the same day, at the same venue will conclude what will be the greatest ever Rugby League World Cup,” said RLWC 2017 chief executive Andrew Hill.

Previously the women’s event has been part of the user-pays Festival of World Cups that featured tournaments for women, defence, police, wheelchair and universities.

Australia, New Zealand, England, Canada and Papua New Guinea are confirmed for the women’s World Cup.

The final team will be determined at the Pacific Qualifying Series in October which will be contested by Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands.