The NRLW is primed for its biggest season yet, with more than twice the number of matches in 2023 and games broadcast live on primetime for the first time in the league’s history.
The 2023 competition kicks off on Saturday, July 22 with a Queensland derby between the Titans and the Cowboys at 12.50pm, before premiers Newcastle kick off their title defence against the Dragons at 3.10pm. The primetime clash between the Roosters and the Broncos on the Sunshine Coast at 7:45pm rounds out the day.
The expansion of the NRLW this season – with the addition of the Sharks, Tigers, Raiders and Cowboys – to a 10-team competition means there will be 48 games, including finals, across 11 weeks compared to just 18 games in 2022.
On Thursday, Nine, the owner of this masthead, announced a groundbreaking broadcast deal which will see every match of the 2023 season available live and free on the 9 Network and 9Now.
“This year’s NRL Women’s Premiership will be supercharged with four new teams, nine regular-season rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand final,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.
“In 2023, there will be new rivalries and new timeslots with every match being broadcast on free-to-air TV nationally with primetime coverage for the first time ever.
The Newcastle Knights celebrate their 2022 Premiership win. Credit: Getty
“The schedule will include a balance of stand-alone double-headers, club double-headers and stand-alone fixtures at new venues, aimed at maximising the opportunity for fans to experience the premiership live or on broadcast across a range of markets.”
Nine is also investing in a new NRLW production unit to deliver more than 100 hours of live coverage, a weekly women’s rugby league show, NRLWrap, and a weekly NRLW podcast.
Head of partnerships and strategy at Wide World of Sports, Simon Fordham, said the new deal demonstrated Nine’s commitment to promoting the women’s game.
“We look forward to showcasing the talents of these incredibly gifted athletes on Nine in what has become the most entertaining women’s football code in the nation,” Fordham said.
Nine will feature former Jillaroos Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson among their commentary team for the NRLW season and Women’s State of Origin, along with Knights premiership captain Millie Boyle, now at the Roosters.
While the announcement of the draw is a relief for players and fans after protracted negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement delayed contracting for the 2023 season, Rugby League Players Association CEO Clint Newton said there were still issues to resolve before the season starts.
“With NRLW pre-season to begin in a month, the urgency to finalise the women’s CBA along with the men’s has never been more urgent. The joint-CBA for both NRL and NRLW players needs to be agreed to and signed off before the NRLW season starts to ensure the players and industry can be provided with the certainty they deserve.”
NRLW teams must have their top 24 players contracted by 5pm on Wednesday, May 24. Pre-season training will begin on May 29.
Stream the NRL Premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now.
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