NRLW 2022 draw: Schedule for revamped competition revealed, Eels buzzing for debut season

An opening round triple-header in Newcastle will herald the return of a revamped NRLW next season — and for Eels coach Dean Widders, the kick-off can’t come quick enough.

Chris Honnery

2 min read

November 9, 2021 - 7:13PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Ali Brigginshaw of the Broncos holds aloft the Premiership trophy as she celebrates with team mates after winning the NRLW Grand Final on October 25, 2020. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The new team on the NRLW block Parramatta and Eels coach Dean Widders are buzzing with anticipation for the revamped, rescheduled 2021 season as they join the rest of the competition in trying to end the Brisbane Broncos three-year dominance.

The NRLW will finally make its return in 2022, following a 16-month hiatus, with the rescheduled season to kick-off on February 27

The national women’s competition was postponed for the 2021 season because of Covid concerns and the players finally have clarity on when they can return to the footy field for the first time since the 2020 season.

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And this time, it’s a completely new-look NRLW competition with three new teams, two extra rounds and a semi-finals slated during a seven-week season.

An opening round triple-header in Newcastle will launch the season, with the Dragons to welcome newcomers the Titans in the season opener.

The Broncos will be the team to beat again in NRLW next season. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

A 2020 grand final rematch between the Roosters and Broncos will follow before the Knights and Eels wrap up the opening round.

Parramatta’s new NRLW side have already begun pre-season training – albeit via Zoom because of Covid restrictions – as they look to add to the club’s trophy cabinet when they take to the field in their inaugural season.

Widders said there was a real buzz around the club with the release of the season draw.

“We’re all really excited about it all,” Widders said.

“We’ve got a new team, a real buzz around western Sydney so to get a start date and a chance to look forward to meeting each other out on the field is pretty exciting.

“The draw itself is exciting because the first three games we are playing against some quality teams away and in front of their home ground.

“Even though it’s a tough draw for us it’s exciting for the girls to play against these teams in front of rival home crowds and everyone loves early season footy so there’s going to be a real atmosphere playing in those main games.

“Hopefully we do well and get a few wins on the road.”

Parramatta have put together a tough squad for the 2022 season, with the likes of 2020 NRLW Rookie of the Year Kennedy Cherrington and Kiwi Fern Nita Maynard.

The club also announced on Tuesday the signing of NSW captain Maddie Studdon for their NRLW season next year in a huge boost for the new club.

“We are excited to add another experienced representative player to our squad. Maddie will be an asset to our team and a leader both on and off the field,” Widders said.

“Our women’s team is a positive influence on aspiring female players in the Western Sydney region who are looking for a pathway into the NRLW.”

Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos and NRLW coach Dean Widders are excited about the club’s first season in the women’s competition. Picture: NRL Imagery