The NRLW has continued to go from strength to strength, boasting considerable talent on the field as audiences flock to games both in person and via streaming services, all too willing to see players shine on the sporting stage. Now, it’s been announced that players in the NRLW will receive a 28 per cent pay increase on average, with the competition looking to introduce a salary cap system. According to the Australian Rugby League Commission, this move coincides with a greater commitment to the sport and to see it expand int he women’s game, with eight teams set to play in 2023, and ten in 2024. Some players will also receive full-time contracts.
The introduction of a salary cap system means all teams in the NRLW will receive a salary cap of $350,000, with clubs given the ability to contract two marquee players as full-time employees outside of the salary cap restrictions. And perhaps most importantly, NRLW players will now receive private health insurance and other benefits.
It’s a major win when it comes to supporting female athletes in sport and helping them achieve their dreams, while making a living performing at their peak. Where so many women have spoken out about the limited opportunities in sport and lack of funding, requiring a great number to work jobs outside of their professional sport just to survive, these improvements to NRLW mean payments for representative players will also increase. State of Origin match payments will rise from $4,000 to $6,000 and All Stars payments will increase from $1,600 to $3,000.
State of Origin will also expand to a two-game stand alone series in 2023, with both games to be aired on free-to-air television. The 2022 NRLW season will remain the same at six teams, before the future increases as detailed above.
As NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said of the announcement, it marked an “exciting day for the women’s game.” In a statement, he added: “The expansion of the NRLW competition and the introduction of the salary cap will ensure players earn substantially more income from our game.”
“There’s still a long way to go but this is another positive step in our growth journey for the NRLW,” he explained. Television audience numbers have continued to grow and now the NRLW is hoping to reflect the popularity of the women’s game by investing in its future. “That’s down to the player and the Commission will continue to invest and support that success,” said Abdo.
“We’ve always been very clear that we would ensure our playing talent is deep enough and our clubs are prepared before expanding. The lead-in time ahead of the next expansion phase will ensure our clubs have the right infrastructure in place and there is even more depth to our playing talent.”
It’s also hoped that these changes encourage greater participation in the sport, while creating pathways for talent, as well as female coaches, referees and administrators.
