LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The 2025 NRL Women's Premiership began last night with the Cronulla Sharks playing against the Parramatta Eels at PointsBet Stadium.
According to espn.com.au, fans can look forward to five additional games this weekend, with particular excitement over the Eels currently topping the ladder.
This season is marked as the NRLW's most ambitious to date, featuring an expansion to 12 teams, including the New Zealand Warriors and the Canterbury Bulldogs.
For the first time, there will be a top six and a new three-week finals format, culminating in the inaugural Magic Round at McDonald Jones Stadium in Round 5.
The return of the Warriors and the addition of the Bulldogs are significant milestones in the NRLW's development, reflecting a commitment to provide more opportunities for women and girls to compete at elite levels across Australia.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has highlighted the need for strategic growth, noting that expansion should balance team growth with player development to maintain the talent pool's integrity.
Currently, only a couple of clubs lack a women's team, and the NRL envisions a future where all clubs have NRLW sides.
While this growth strategy is ambitious, there are concerns about the proliferation of Sydney-based teams, which could mirror current issues in the men's competition.
As for the upcoming season, the Sydney Roosters, the defending Premiers, are expected to be strong contenders for the 2025 grand final.
They boast at least 10 players who have represented their state or country.
Despite Millie Elliot taking a season off, the Roosters maintain a powerful forward lineup featuring players like Amber Hall and Otesa Pule.
Additionally, Corban Baxter returns after recovering from an ACL injury, while new talents like Jayme Fressard and Jocelyn Kelleher are anticipated to enhance their performance after their inaugural State of Origin series.
The unfolding season promises excitement and competitive spirit, driven by ambitious expansion and the commitment to the growth of women's rugby league in Australia.