NRL boss Andrew Abdo has announced the expansion of the NRLW competition.
The Sharks, Raiders, Cowboys, and Tigers will all enter the draw in 2023.
The national women’s rugby league competition debuted in 2018 with just four teams – the Broncos, Roosters, Warriors, and Dragons.
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The Warriors were forced to drop out in 2021 due to COVID-19 complications, but three more clubs were brought into the draw in the Eels, Knights, and Titans.
Brisbane won the first three premierships contested. The Roosters beat the Dragons in the season 2021 grand final, which was played in 2022 after the competition was postponed.
The 2022 season is yet to be played, and will still only feature six teams. The four new teams will debut after that.
“We have a blueprint for investing in the women’s game at all levels,” Australian Rugby League League Commission chairman Peter V’landys said.
“We have seen from with the quality of the 2021 NRLW premiership and the tremendous growth in female participation that we have capacity for sustainable growth.
“The Commission have again demonstrated that the women’s game is a strategic priority. The quality of the club submissions was excellent.
“The Commission had always left the door open to expand to a 10-team competition based on the quality of the applicants, and we have seen that come through both in the success of the 2021 premiership and the quality and applications made by clubs.”
Tigers boss Justin Pascoe is thrilled to be given a licence to join the competition.
“We are delighted with the decision to approve our application and we are excited by the opportunities ahead,” Pascoe said.
“I’m thrilled for all the females we currently have in our system and those who will come into our sport as a result of this.
“We have experienced steady growth in female participation numbers in our catchment areas over the past few years, and I’m sure this will not just continue but accelerate.”
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