LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The 2025 NRLW season is set to be the largest yet, with significant growth in both participation and viewership.
At the season launch, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo highlighted the league's achievements, reporting that the NRLW attracted "8 million television viewers" last season and will feature its first women's Magic Round in August.
The league has expanded rapidly, doubling from six to twelve teams since 2022, creating concerns about maintaining competitive quality amidst this growth.
The challenge lies in ensuring that while the league expands, "the playing standard must remain as high as recent years." Rapid expansion can risk diluting the talent pool and impacting the league's overall quality.
However, the inclusion of New Zealand's Warriors and the Canterbury Bulldogs as new teams is seen as a strategic move.
These teams are expected to enhance the league's competitive balance rather than detract from it.
The Warriors will bring the competition into a larger market, positioning it for a "reservoir of elite talent," while the Bulldogs capitalize on a traditional rugby league stronghold.
In summary, while the NRLW is poised for unprecedented growth, maintaining high standards of play will be crucial for its sustained success.
This season could be pivotal for women's rugby league, as it navigates the opportunities and challenges presented by its expanding structure and talent base.