Women’s rugby in spotlight with inaugural Super W grand final

NSW face Queensland in the inaugural Super W rugby grand final at Allianz Stadium.

Wallaroos and NSW fullback Ashleigh Hewson. Picture: Brett Costello

On the eve of the inaugural Super W final between Queensland and NSW, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle and QRU executive ­director Richard Barker in for an unscheduled meeting to discuss how women’s rugby will fit into the plans for a redeveloped Ballymore.

Palaszczuk was so taken with the standard of last Sunday’s epic Commonwealth Games women’s sevens final between Australia and New Zealand that she contacted Barker on Monday to see how women’s rugby would work within the proposed National Training Centre.

While women’s sevens would use the base for winter training, the intention is for the Wallaroos, the Australian women’s XV-a-side team, to be based there as part of a broader centre that would also incorporate the Wallabies and other visiting teams.

The knowledge that women’s XV-a-side has become a key part of the Ballymore redevelopment is certain to add extra spice to the Super W final, which will be televised live by Fox Sports from 4.45 this afternoon from Allianz Stadium.

It forms the main curtain-raiser to the Super Rugby clash between the Waratahs and the Lions of South Africa.

Long-time Wallaroos goalkicker and captain Ashleigh Hewson, the NSW fullback, said that at the age of 38 she never thought she would still be playing to experience a grand final of women’s rugby.

“To be part of it is really special because I never thought I would be here,” Hewson said.

“The support has exceeded my expectations and to see the media getting behind it, which means corporate Australia will get behind it and one day, that will hopefully lead to professionalism.

“I don’t think any (women’s) Tests have been announced but I’m sure they’re in the pipeline.

“To be able to play 80 minutes of football at this level, with the pressure on you, it’s only going to create a better team for the Wallaroos.”

As it is, several NSW players will have to put in a day’s work before rushing to the ground to play.

NSW are firm favourites to win, backed by their defence, which has conceded just two tries throughout the tournament, but Queensland have used the reliable motivational tool of NSW having wronged them to fire up for the match. It is understood hair-pulling has been cited as grounds for aggravation.

Queensland captain Kirby Sefo said: “Just the fact that we’ve made it to the grand final is a big thing for us but to win it on their home ground would be something special.’’