NRLW 2025: Why Greg Inglis’ coaching move is a landmark moment for the women’s game

Not long ago NRLW stars were begging for media coverage, now two NRL greats are jumping head first into the action. There’s a long way to go but this is a massive leap, writes Pamela Whaley.

There was once a time not too long ago when players, coaches and officials would beg for media coverage of the women’s game.

Now it’s happening organically, with two NRL greats jumping head first into the action.

In the past few days we’ve seen Greg Inglis take on two assistant coaching jobs, first with the Queensland State of Origin side and now with the Wests Tigers’ NRLW team under Brett Kimmorley.

Meanwhile, his former representative teammate Corey Parker is using his radio show to pitch possible Jillaroos coaches, tossing up big names and encouraging them to get involved.

It’s hard to imagine those two scenarios even 10 years ago, maybe even five.

NRL star Greg Inglis to visit Dalby to help raise funds for regional mental health services Picture: contributed

Ahead of the Jillaroos inclusion in the Las Vegas season opener, with a newly expanded NRLW season to be played later this year, it’s important to recognise how far the game has come and how much further there is to go.

While there is still huge work to be done to encourage and develop more female coaches within the game, and you might not agree with Parker, we can still appreciate their interest for what it is. Significant.

Their names alone help legitimise the game in the face of any remaining dinosaurs out there who have not yet discovered the quality and unique entertainment that is women’s rugby league.

If Greg Inglis can see it, so should they.

Inglis’ interest in the NRLW is significant for the women’s game. Picture: Getty Images

Their interest has a knock on effect that is hard to quantify.

Maybe their high powered friends or fans become curious in the game, and maybe that attracts more eyeballs, more respect, more dollars to the sport.

There is still a long way to go, but it’s good to know there’s some big guns coming along for the ride.

More of it, please.

Originally published as NRLW 2025: Why Greg Inglis’ coaching move is a landmark moment for the women’s game