NRLW coaches’ poll: Expansion and concern over online abuse of players the biggest concerns

In the first survey of its kind for CODE Sports, a poll of eight of 10 NRLW coaches has revealed some concise insight into the state of the women’s game, the biggest issues and hopes for the future heading into the sixth season.

It uncovered some uncertainty within the women’s game around the expansion from six to 10 teams this year – which is the biggest period of growth since the introduction of the four-team competition in 2018.

From the eight coaches who completed the poll, three said they were unsure, three essentially agreed it was going at the right pace, while one said the game had expanded too quickly.

Additionally, the coaches were split over whether the quality of the competition will suffer with the addition of four teams, with four believing there is enough talent in the game, three admitting there’s not and one unsure.

Has the NRLW expanded too quickly?

Not sure – 3 (37.50%)

Yes, the game needed more time to develop talent – 1 (12.50%)

No, we need to catch up to other codes – 1 (12.50%)

Other – Right pace – 1 (12.50%)

Other – Going from six to 10, time will tell in quality of football in 2023 – 1 (12.50%)

Other – No, It has created more opportunities to develop and grow. It will look like the NRL in the future with Harvey Norman as a second tier. – 1 (12.50%)

One coach, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the expansion to 10 teams, plus the delay in approving a contracting model for the players had created a “feeding frenzy” as clubs struggled to fill their 24-person rosters.

“The way this competition has expanded has created a feeding frenzy on young girls, bringing managers into the game, but also not rewarding the top-end girls who have carried the game this far, by making the minimum so high,” they said.

“I was speaking to a player who had NRLW experience, and when I offered her a contract around $33k, and one of her first questions was, ‘Why am I only worth $3000 more than an 18-year-old who has never played before?

“Essentially, you’re taking a stab in the dark about whether these girls are going to be able to handle (NRLW).

“We’re talking about going to 12 teams already but I think eight would have been sufficient for now.”

When Cronulla, Canberra, Wests Tigers and North Queensland were added to this year’s competition, the NRL left the door open for further expansion in 2024.

“We're looking for further expansion in 2024 and onwards. Those clubs that submitted proposals to be ready for 2024, those next steps are to engage with them and make that announcement as soon as possible,” NRL boss Andrew Abdo said at the time.

“We've had strong interest from almost every NRL club, it’s a question of timing and when their programs align.”

Should the best talent in the game be evenly distributed across all clubs by the NRL via draft system?

No, players and clubs should have freedom to negotiate – 4 (50%)

Yes, the NRL should distribute the best players evenly across the teams to help grow the game – 3 (37.50%)

Not sure – 1 (12.50%)

If the NRLW is to expand again, how long will it take to reach parity with the men’s game?

Seven to 10 years – 3 (37.50%)

More than 10 years – 2 (25%)

Not sure – 2 (25%)

Five to seven years – 1 (12.50%)

It won’t – 0

Have players had enough rugby league experience by the time they get to senior grades?

Yes – they get enough experience in the pathways – 3 (37.50%)

No – they haven't had enough time to develop adequate rugby league skills – 3 (37.50%)

Not sure, depends on the player – 2 (25%)

The players

Coaches have also voiced their concern for the amount of online abuse NRLW players are subjected to.

Studies have shown that female athletes face more sexualised abuse online than their male counterparts, and it’s a trend that has been noticed by NRL clubs and the governing body itself.

Of the coaches polled, 75 per cent said they were concerned about the levels of online abuse their players are subjected to, and just as many admitted a player had come to them with their own concerns.

“Every club has a wellbeing officer checking in with the girls and there are people to turn to if that’s happening. But we’re also encouraging girls to turn their social media comments off or stay on private,” one coach said.

“But for some people, social media it’s a business.

“You want to protect them as much as you can.”

Overwhelmingly, Newcastle and Queensland fullback Tamika Upton was voted the best player in the game, with NSW stars Kezie Apps and Millie Boyle each attracting a vote, as well as Dally M medallist and St George Illawarra recruit Raecene McGregor.

Are rival codes (rugby union or AFLW) a threat to NRLW recruitment?

No – 5 (62.50%)

Yes – 3 (37.50%)

Do the majority of players want full-time NRLW contracts?

Yes – 7 (87.50%)

Not sure – 1 (12.50%)

How long do you estimate it will be until NRLW players are full-time professionals?

Five to seven years – 5 (62.50%)

Around 10 years – 2 (25%)

Within five years – 1 (12.50%)

Administration

The timing of the NRLW season as well as NRL funding were voted as the biggest issues in the women’s game.

It’s an ongoing concern for players and game administrators, who have to consider state competitions, the timing of State of Origin and international games, as well as the length of the NRLW season, and potential audiences across broadcast and live crowds.

There were two NRLW seasons in 2022, one at the start of the year and one coinciding with the NRL finals. It gave the NRL a glimpse into what each option would look like.

Most coaches agreed the season is best kept where it is, although they agreed it is a problem.

“The timing of the season was right under the NRL’s nose in season one last year, start it early, finish the grand final, be happy to run your race and then play Origin,” one coach said.

“Then you’re not in the way of the NRL finals. Because if you have Penrith v Sharks on a Saturday night at Penrith Stadium and Tigers v Parra at Commbank at 5.30pm, who do you think fans are going to go and watch?

“We’re competing against ourselves.”

As it stands, Origin is the most intense event of the season but it’s played up to two months after the state competitions finish, and before the NRLW season starts.

What’s the biggest issue in the women’s game?

Timing of the season – 2 (25%)

NRL funding – 2 (25%)

Limited pre-season – 1 (12.50%)

Quality of competition – 1 (12.50%)

Facilities – 1 (12.50%)

Not sure – 1 (12.50%)

What is the right time for the NRLW season to be played?

As it is now, coinciding with double-header grand final – 5 (62.50%)

At the start of the year before the NRL season – 2 (25%)

Other – Finish on grand final day but go for a longer period and have three Origins – 1 (12.50%)

Should women’s State of Origin be a stand alone event or a double-header with the men’s game?

Stand alone, keep it as it is – 6 (75%)

Other – Stand alone and grow it into a three match series like the men’s to make more revenue for full-time contracts – 1 (12.50%)

Other – At the end of our season like the men’s Australian games – 1 (12.50%)

Big picture

The coaches unanimously agree that NRLW can become the biggest women’s code in Australia, but it will take some tweaks to get there.

More studies need to be done on the different impact of concussion between men and women, but coaches are satisfied the NRL is doing enough to keep players safe.

Overwhelmingly, NRLW coaches would support a Pride Round within the women’s game where many players are openly gay. It’s a stark contrast from the men’s game where no professional player has come out since Ian Roberts in 1995.

Is the game ready to be increased to 80 minutes?

No, players need more time to develop across all 10 teams – 5 (62.50%)

Yes, the playing group has had plenty of quality game experience now – 2 (25%)

Not sure – 1 (12.50%)

Would you support a pride round in the NRLW?

Yes – 6 (75%)

No – 1 (12.50%)

Not sure – 1 (12.50%)

Does the new salary cap rise and minimum wage requirements accurately reflect what the players are worth?

Yes, they will be paid what they deserve for a competition that’s still developing – 4 (50%)

Prefer not to say – 3 (37.50%)

No, they will be overpaid and players are asking for too much money – 1 (12.50%)

No, they will be underpaid and they deserve higher wages for their work – 0

Can the sport become the biggest women’s code in Australia?

Yes – 8 (100%)

No – 0