LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
In a significant development for the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership, the NRL has announced that the expanded 10-team competition will feature home semi-finals for the first time in 2023.
This decision marks a departure from the previous practice of holding semi-finals at neutral venues.
Teams that finish the regular season in first and second place will now have the privilege of playing their finals matches at their respective home grounds.
The introduction of home semi-finals aims to provide a distinct advantage to the teams that excel during the regular season.
In the past, both minor premiers suffered defeats in their semi-final matches, which took place at neutral interstate venues.
This change in policy seeks to address that issue and reward the top-performing teams.
The semi-finals of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership are scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 24.
Fans can catch the action live on Channel 9 and Fox League.
The winners of each semi-final will then advance to the Grand Final Day, which will be held at Accor Stadium on Sunday, October 1.
This showcase event will precede the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final.
The inclusion of home semi-finals adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the NRLW finals.
It allows teams to create a home-field advantage and enjoy the support of their loyal fans.
Additionally, it adds a strategic element to the competition, as teams will now have the opportunity to select their preferred home grounds for these crucial matches.
The announcement of home semi-finals is a testament to the growth and increasing popularity of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership.
It demonstrates the NRL's commitment to providing a high-quality and competitive competition for women's rugby league.
This decision will undoubtedly enhance the overall experience for players, fans, and stakeholders alike.
The NRL Telstra Women's Premiership has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2018, and the introduction of home semi-finals is another milestone in its evolution.
It is a positive step towards equalizing the playing field and ensuring that the best teams have a fair chance to compete for the championship.
Rugby league enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting and closely contested finals series in 2023, with the added thrill of witnessing home-ground advantage in action.