The 2022 NRLW season has officially been launched ahead of this weekend’s first round of games and there’s plenty for the fledgling competition to be excited about.
This season will feature three new teams and will hold its grand final in Brisbane for the first time.
The NRLW competition will kick off this Sunday, with Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium to host a Round 1 triple-header.
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The expansion of the competition sees the Gold Coast Titans, Newcastle Knights and Parramatta Eels joining defending premiers the Brisbane Broncos and existing teams St George Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters in the Telstra women’s premiership.
At today’s season launch, the NRL announced Redcliffe’s Moreton Daily Stadium will host the NRLW stand-alone grand final on Sunday April 10 – the first time an NRLW grand final has been held in Brisbane.
This year will also mark the first time the women’s game completes a 12-month calendar, with two NRLW competitions, followed by State of Origin, state leagues and the World Cup to be played in the United Kingdom.
Growing the women’s game is a chief priority for the ARLC, says NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.
“The Commission has been committed to growing the women’s game at all levels and Sunday’s triple-header, to begin our season, is the next step in our growth strategy for the NRLW with additional teams and a finals series for the first time,” he said.
“We are focused on the enablers for expansion of female pathway competitions at all ages and levels, from junior participation through to the state competitions, the NRLW premiership, State of Origin and Test matches. The Commission have a focus on growth at all levels, right from grassroots to our elite playing group.”
Round 1 at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday (all times AEDT)
Midday: St George Illawarra Dragons v Gold Coast Titans
1.50pm: Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos
3.40pm: Newcastle Knights v Parramatta Eels.
All games will be broadcast live on Nine.
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