The NRL is set to expand the women’s league again in 2025, with the framework finally in place for the next five years of the competition
The league and players’ union are finally close to peace on the women’s game after lengthy meetings last week, with this year’s expanded 10-teamUnder the terms of the looming agreement, the 2023 and 2024 NRLW seasons will include a nine-round regular season before two weeks of finals.Players will also be given two weeks of annual leave as part of their contract, along with seven weeks of pre-season training to make for a 20-week commitment.
Clubs will also be able to help players find further employment, with the approval of the salary cap auditor. The women’s league will continue to be played alongside the end of the men’s NRL season with a double-header grand final, after officials resisted the urge to go to an early-season competition.
Players will also be able to enter multi-year deals as part of the competition’s new structure, while four development players at each club will be paid for the first time.