The National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) Premiership is growing rapidly, and the excitement around its expansion has rugby league fans buzzing. With the announcement of a 12-team competition by 2025, questions are emerging about which clubs will secure the final spots. Among the most discussed contenders are the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the New Zealand Warriors. But will they join the NRLW in 2025? Let’s dive into the details and explore what this expansion means for the league, fans, and players.
NRLW Expansion to 12 Teams by 2025
The NRLW began in 2018 with just four teams, and by 2023, the league had grown to 10 teams. The NRL’s commitment to growing the women’s game includes plans to expand to 12 teams by 2025, solidifying its place as a premier competition in women’s rugby league.
Why Expand the NRLW?
- Increasing Demand: The growing popularity of women’s rugby league, both in Australia and globally, is driving expansion.
- Talent Development: More teams mean more opportunities for women to play at the elite level.
- Fan Engagement: Expanding the league brings the game to more regions, attracting new fans and sponsors.
For more on the NRLW’s growth, visit the NRL Women’s Premiership official page.
The Case for Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have long been a staple of the NRL and are strong contenders for an NRLW team in 2025.
Why the Bulldogs Are Likely to Join
- Rich Rugby League History
- The Canterbury Bulldogs have been part of the NRL since 1935 and have a storied history of success and fan support.
- Adding an NRLW team would extend the club’s legacy and bring their iconic brand into the women’s competition.
- Strong Community Connections
- The Bulldogs are deeply rooted in the Canterbury-Bankstown region, an area known for its passion for rugby league.
- Their junior pathways programs include a focus on women’s rugby league, ensuring a pipeline of talent.
- Supportive Infrastructure
- The Bulldogs have the facilities and resources to support an NRLW team, including Belmore Sports Ground and a dedicated high-performance unit.
- Club Commitment
- Bulldogs management has expressed interest in joining the NRLW, aligning with their vision for inclusivity and growth in the sport.
Challenges for the Bulldogs
- Competing with other clubs for one of the two remaining spots.
- Ensuring they can field a competitive team in a short timeframe.
The Case for New Zealand Warriors
The New Zealand Warriors were part of the inaugural NRLW season in 2018 but withdrew from the competition in 2020 due to logistical challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they remain a strong contender for re-entry.
Why the Warriors Should Rejoin
- Global Expansion for the NRLW
- The Warriors’ inclusion would reintroduce international representation to the league, boosting its global appeal.
- It aligns with the NRL’s strategy to grow rugby league in New Zealand and the Pacific.
- Established Team History
- As one of the original NRLW teams, the Warriors have experience in the competition.
- Their return would bring back their loyal fan base and help reignite New Zealand’s passion for women’s rugby league.
- Developing Local Talent
- New Zealand is a hotbed for rugby talent, and the Warriors could serve as a pathway for Kiwi players to showcase their skills on a larger stage.
- Fan and Sponsor Support
- The Warriors have a strong following in New Zealand, with a dedicated fan base eager to support a women’s team.
Challenges for the Warriors
- Addressing the logistical and financial issues that led to their initial withdrawal.
- Competing with other clubs for one of the limited expansion spots.
Other Contenders for NRLW Expansion
While the Bulldogs and Warriors are strong contenders, other clubs are also vying for inclusion in the 2025 NRLW expansion. Teams like the Manly Sea Eagles, Melbourne Storm, and South Sydney Rabbitohs have also expressed interest.
Key Factors for Selection
- Community Support: Clubs with strong local backing and grassroots development programs are more likely to succeed.
- Financial Stability: Teams must demonstrate the resources to support an NRLW squad long-term.
- Facilities: Access to high-quality training and matchday facilities is essential.
- Player Pathways: Clubs must invest in developing junior talent to ensure a sustainable player pool.
For updates on expansion decisions, visit the NRL’s official news page.
What an Expanded NRLW Means for the League
The addition of two new teams in 2025 will significantly impact the NRLW, bringing new opportunities and challenges.
Benefits
- Increased Competition: More teams mean a deeper talent pool and more exciting matches.
- Broader Reach: Expansion to new regions increases the league’s visibility and fan base.
- Enhanced Professionalism: Growing the league aligns with the NRL’s commitment to making rugby league a viable career for women.
Challenges
- Talent Distribution: Ensuring all teams remain competitive with an expanded player pool.
- Logistics: Managing travel and scheduling with additional teams.
- Sponsorship and Revenue: Balancing the financial demands of a larger league.
How Fans Can Support NRLW Expansion
Fans play a crucial role in the growth of women’s rugby league. Here’s how you can help:
- Attend Games: Support your local NRLW team by attending matches and creating a vibrant atmosphere.
- Engage Online: Follow teams and players on social media to boost their visibility.
- Spread the Word: Encourage friends and family to watch NRLW games and support the league.
For a full list of NRLW teams and schedules, check the NRL Women’s Premiership page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the Bulldogs and Warriors join the NRLW in 2025?
A: Both clubs are strong contenders for the 2025 expansion, but official decisions are yet to be announced.
Q: How many teams will the NRLW have in 2025?
A: The league will expand to 12 teams in 2025.
Q: How does the NRL decide which teams join the NRLW?
A: Factors include community support, financial stability, facilities, and player pathways.
Conclusion: An Exciting Future for the NRLW
The 2025 expansion of the NRLW to a 12-team competition marks an exciting chapter in women’s rugby league. While the final decisions are yet to be made, the Canterbury Bulldogs and New Zealand Warriors are strong contenders, each bringing unique strengths and contributions to the league.
Whether you’re a fan of the Bulldogs, Warriors, or rugby league in general, the NRLW’s growth is a testament to the sport’s bright future. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to support your favorite team in this expanded competition!
See Also: Is there a women’s NRL team?
