Structured Sydney competition to help NSW women end Queensland State of Origin dominance
MEET the women aiming to end a State of Origin dynasty that makes Cameron Smith’s mob look like amateurs.
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MEET the women aiming to end a State of Origin dynasty that makes Cameron Smith’s mob look like amateurs.
From this weekend, female rugby league players will compete in a structured Sydney competition with unbroken pathways following the introduction of age division for 13-15 and 16-18 year old players.
The new competition is expected to lead to a massive boost in participants, and hopefully help NSW end Queensland’s 17-year unbeaten women’s Origin run.
“This is huge,” Jillaroo and Cronulla Caringbah player Allana Ferguson said.
“It’s the best opportunity to grow the game. In terms of our game it will bring so many numbers who can now develop a passion and love for the game.
“The difference will really be felt in five years, especially for the Jillaroos with such a big talent pool.”
Previously young players were forced to look at rugby union, Oztag or touch to fill the void.
NSWRL head of competitions Yvette Downey said the success of the Jillaroos has helped fuel the demand for more competitions for women and sparked new interest.
Downey is hoping one of the more immediate effects of extra competition is bolstering NSW’s chances in their annual State of Origin clash with Queensland.
“Queenslanders have won it for the last 17 years. You can’t imagine how much we want to beat them in July,” she said.
The Sydney Metropolitan Women’s Rugby League Competition starts with two divisions for the first time and a record 14 teams.
The Sydney Combined Competition for 13-15 yrs and 16-18 yrs groups will include a girls competition for the first time when it kicks off later this month. When the Junior League for six to 12-year-olds started a fortnight ago it boasted close to 3000 registrations.
Originally published as Structured Sydney competition to help NSW women end Queensland State of Origin dominance
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