Average NRLW salaries will rise by 28 per cent and the women’s game will expand in the coming years in a move approved by the Australian Rugby League Commission.
The Telstra Women’s Premiership will grow from six to eight teams in 2023 and 10 teams in 2024. The jostling can now get under way for new clubs to join the growing competition, with the ARLC to grant licences to the successful applicants by July.
The Commission gave the green light for a salary cap to be introduced for the 2022 season at $350,000 per team, which will increase the average salary by nearly 30 per cent, with clubs allowed to allocate two marquee players to be full-time employees as well as added salary cap dispensation to accommodate such a move. All NRLW players will also be covered by private health insurance.
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In another huge boost for the women’s game, the Ampol Women’s State of Origin will expand to a two-game series in 2023 and both games will be stand alone and aired live on Nine, in addition to an overall pay rise for Origin and All Star players.
NSW and Queensland players will get a pay bump from $4,000 to $6,000 per game, while All Star players will now receive $3,000 a match, an increase from $1600.
“Today is an exciting day for the women’s game,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.
“We’re expanding from eight teams in 2023 to 10 teams in 2024. We’re also introducing a salary cap for next season and creating more opportunity for more players to become full-time employees of the club.
“The expansion of the NRLW competition and the introduction of a salary cap will ensure players earn substantially more income from our game.
“There is still a long way to go but this is a positive step in our growth journey with the NRLW.”
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