The National Rugby League (NRL) today launched Harvey Norman Women in League Round 2023, which for the first time will include both the men’s NRL and women’s NRLW competitions.
After the expanded NRLW Premiership kicked off last weekend, Women in League Round 2023 will celebrate those who are playing their part for women in Rugby League while recognising that there is still much more to play for when it comes to growth and opportunity across the game.
At grassroots level, more than 40,000 women and girls are now playing Club Rugby League across the country (up 14% year-on-year), supported by 17,000 registered female coaches, trainers and volunteers (11% increase) and 698 registered female referees (7.5% increase).
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said that Harvey Norman Women in League Round is a time to reflect on that progress, celebrate those who have paved the way, and focus on the work still to be done.
“This year’s Harvey Norman Women in League Round is part of a landmark year for the women’s game and for women in the game,” Mr Abdo said. “We are proud of the exceptional growth at all levels and our players, coaches, referees, volunteers, partners, media and staff are all playing their part.
“As we continue to nurture that growth, there is more work to do to ensure even greater representation in all areas of rugby league.
The Commission has a vision for a pathway for women to succeed in all aspects of our game from the football field to the boardroom.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo
Harvey Norman CEO, Katie Page, said: “We are here for the girls. Simple as that. The female players, officials, volunteers and fans. They are the reason that Harvey Norman has been front and centre with the NRL Women in League round since 2007. We have certainly come a long way.
“It’s great to see the growth of the NRLW competition with four new teams. In the future I hope that the extraordinary playing talent of the NRLW, Women’s State of Origin and the Jillaroos are seen by even more people in additional regional locations, as we continue to inspire further participation growth in regional areas.”
To find out more about the pathways for women in Rugby League, those who are pioneering the way and how you can play your part, head to NRL.com.