NRL Women's Premiership
Current season or competition: 2026 NRL Women's season | |
 | |
| Sport | Rugby league |
|---|---|
| Instituted | 6 December 2017 |
| Inaugural season | 2018 |
| CEO | Andrew Abdo |
| Number of teams | 12 |
| Countries |  Australia (11 teams) New Zealand (1 team) |
| Premiers |  Brisbane Broncos (2025) |
| Most titles | Brisbane Broncos (4 titles) |
| Website | NRL.com |
| Broadcast partner | Australia Broadcast Nine Network Fox League Streaming 9Now Kayo Sports Overseas Broadcast International broadcasters Streaming Watch NRL |
| Related competition | NRL Men's Premiership NSWRL Men's Premiership NSWRL Women's Premiership QRL Men's Premiership QRL Women's Premiership Tarsha Gale Cup |
The NRL Women's Premiership (NRLW) also known as the Telstra NRL Women's Premiership due to sponsorship is a rugby league competition in Australasia for female players. The league is run by the National Rugby League (NRL) and is contested by a subset of clubs from that competition. Currently, the league contains clubs from New South Wales, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and New Zealand.
The current Premiers are the Brisbane Broncos.
History
[edit]In 2016, the Cronulla Sharks and St. George Illawarra Dragons contested a Women's Nine's match, which served as a curtain-raiser to the NRL match between the Sharks and Sydney Roosters, at Southern Cross Group Stadium. The Sharks won the match 16–12.[1][2]
In March 2017, the Cronulla Sharks played another Women's Nine's match, this time defeating the Canberra Raiders by 28–10.[3]
2017 – 2020: Establishment
[edit]On 6 December 2017, shortly after the conclusion of the 2017 Women's Rugby League World Cup, which concluded with the Jillaroos defeating the New Zealand Ferns by 23–16 in the final,[4] it was announced by the National Rugby League that the inaugural NRL Women's season would operate in a round-robin format, and be held in August 2018, towards the back end of the men's season, with some matches to be played as curtain-raisers to NRL finals matches. The Grand Final, would be contested between the top two teams at the end of the round robin stage, and be played on the same day as the men's Grand Final. It was also announced that a stand-alone State of Origin match would also be contested during the representative weekend, in June.[5]
The Newcastle Knights, St. George Illawarra Dragons,[6][7][8] Brisbane Broncos, New Zealand Warriors,[9] Sydney Roosters, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Cronulla Sharks[10] all declared their interest in applying for a licence to participate in the inaugural NRL Women's competition.[11] Other clubs, such as the Melbourne Storm,[12] Manly Sea Eagles, Gold Coast Titans, North Queensland Cowboys, Canberra Raiders, Wests Tigers, Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs, all decided to delay bidding, citing money and time constraints.[13]
On 27 March 2018, the National Rugby League announced that the Brisbane Broncos, New Zealand Warriors, St. George Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters had won bids to participate in the inaugural NRL Women's competition, commencing in September 2018.[14][15]
The Brisbane Broncos were the most dominant team in the opening three seasons winning all three minor premierships and all three premierships.
2021–present: Competition expansion
[edit]In June 2021 the NRL announced that the NRLW competition would commence expansion and increase to six teams. Initially this meant adding an additional two teams to the competition; however, the New Zealand Warriors announced that they were withdrawing from the competition due to difficulties of moving through borders during the COVID pandemic and an exodus of players and officials. This created an additional spot in the competition, with the NRL announcing that the Gold Coast Titans, Newcastle Knights and Parramatta Eels would be joining the competition for the 2021 season to keep numbers at six.[16]
In March 2022, the National Rugby League and Australian Rugby League Commission announced that NRLW competition would further expand over the course of the 2023 and 2024 seasons by adding two clubs in each season.[17][18] Clubs were invited to make submissions to join the league and were required to by April 2022, six were received.[19] The clubs that made submissions for an NRLW licence in the expanded competition were: Canberra Raiders,[20][21] Cronulla Sharks,[22] North Queensland Cowboys,[23][24][25] South Sydney Rabbitohs,[26] Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers.[27] The New Zealand Warriors had previously indicated their desire to return a team to the NRLW competition,[28] but they did not place a submission at this time.
In June 2022, the NRL changed their stance and decided to bring all expansion sides in together with the four teams all be admitted in the 2023 season[29] and that those four clubs were Canberra, Cronulla, North Queensland and Wests Tigers.[30][31]
Following the announcement both the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Penrith Panthers released statements congratulating the clubs that had been chosen and that they both would be interested in joining the competition in future seasons.[32][33]
The 2023 NRLW season ran for 11 weeks with 9 rounds, Semi-finals and a Grand Final with the Newcastle Knights claiming their second premiership and the first of the expanded 10 team competition.
On 28 March 2024, the NRL announced that the competition would expand by two teams in the 2025 season, with the addition of Canterbury Bulldogs and the return of the New Zealand Warriors.[34] The 2025 season commenced on the 3rd July with Parramatta defeating Cronulla.
Clubs
[edit]The NRLW currently consists of twelve clubs. Six clubs are based within the Greater Sydney area (including one that also represents the Illawarra region south of Sydney), another in regional New South Wales, three in Queensland, and one each in the Australian Capital Territory, and New Zealand. The league operates on a single group system, with no divisions or conferences and no relegation or promotion.
Current clubs
[edit]
- i The New Zealand Warriors were in recess between 2021 and 2024 inclusive
Players
[edit]
The club's playing lists were constructed from scratch through the later stages of 2018. All participants in the 2018 season were required to be over the age of 17.
Initially, clubs were asked to nominate a list of desired players, with the NRL assigning two of these "marquee" players to each club. In addition, clubs were able to sign a number of players with existing connections to the club, or with arrangements for club sponsored work or study.
Salary
[edit]NRL Women's Premiership hands contracts to 40 elite women players.[35][36][37]
The top level salary in 2022 is $60,000 (excluding marquee deals). Representative Origin payments are $6,000 per game.[38]
Season structure
[edit]Pre-season
[edit]Prior to the commencement of the NRLW home-and-away season teams use this time to organise trial matches to test playing combinations.
Premiership season
[edit]The season operates using a Round-robin format, until 2024, the top four finishing teams contested two Semi-final matches, first versus fourth and second-place versus third with the winners meeting in a Grand Final which was typically held on the same day as the men's NRL Grand Final.[5] From 2025 with the expansion to twelve teams, the format changed to a six team series over three weeks. Winners of 3rd place versus 6th place and 4th place versus 5th place in Week 1 meet 1st place and 2nd place in Week 2 semi-finals. Winners of the semi-finals meet in the Grand Final in Week 3.
For the first three seasons — 2018, 2019 and 2020 — the draw was structured around the men's finals series and the top two of the then four teams contested the Grand Final.[39] Due to measures in place to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia in September-October 2021, the 2021 NRLW season was postponed until February 2022, with the Grand Final held as a stand-alone match on Sunday, 10 April 2022. For the actual 2022 season, the NRLW Grand Final reverted to being held on the same day as the NRL men's Grand Final, which was Sunday, 2 October 2022. The two Grand Finals — women's and men's — were also held on the same day and venue in 2023, and (as scheduled for) 2024.
The rules and regulations are mostly the same as in the men's game, with a few exceptions:[40]
- original matches were sixty minutes long, with thirty minutes in each half. 2022 season revised to seventy minute matches, consisting of thirty-five minutes per half.
- ten interchanges in each match, with an additional two during golden point; and
- a 40/30 kick advantage providing for tactical kicking and unpredictability during matches.
Postseason
[edit]In October 2018, NRL announced the inaugural edition of Rugby League World Cup 9s in Western Sydney on 18–19 October 2019, featuring 12 international men's teams and 4 women's teams.[41] This would be around one month after the Women's Grand Final and preseason tournament Auckland Nines in previous years was replaced.
Seasons
[edit]| Season | Teams | Premiers | Runners-up | Minor Premiers | Wooden Spoon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRL Women's Premiership | |||||
| 2018 | 4 | Brisbane Broncos |
 Sydney Roosters |
Brisbane Broncos |
 St George Illawarra Dragons |
| 2019 | 4 | Brisbane Broncos (2) |
St George Illawarra Dragons |
Brisbane Broncos (2) |
Sydney Roosters |
| 2020 | 4 | Brisbane Broncos (3) |
Sydney Roosters (2) |
Brisbane Broncos (3) |
St George Illawarra Dragons (2) |
| 2021* | 6 | Sydney Roosters |
St George Illawarra Dragons (2) |
Brisbane Broncos (4) |
 Newcastle Knights |
| 2022 | 6 | Newcastle Knights |
 Parramatta Eels |
Sydney Roosters |
 Gold Coast Titans |
| 2023 | 10 | Newcastle Knights (2) |
Gold Coast Titans |
Newcastle Knights |
Parramatta Eels |
| 2024 | 10 | Sydney Roosters (2) |
 Cronulla Sharks |
Brisbane Broncos (5) |
 Wests Tigers |
| 2025 | 12 | Brisbane Broncos (4) |
Sydney Roosters (3) |
Sydney Roosters (2) |
Wests Tigers |
* The 2021 season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the season started on 27 February 2022 and was completed on 10 April.
Grand Finals
[edit]| Season | Premiers | Score | Runners-up | Referee(s) | Venue | Date | Att. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Brisbane Broncos |
34–12 | Sydney Roosters |
Jon Stone Kasey Badger |
ANZ Stadium Sydney |
30 September 2018 | 16,214 |
| 2019 | Brisbane Broncos |
30–6 | St George Illawarra Dragons |
Kasey Badger Daniel Schwass |
ANZ Stadium Sydney |
6 October 2019 | 36,785 |
| 2020 | Brisbane Broncos |
20–10 | Sydney Roosters |
Belinda Sharpe | ANZ Stadium Sydney |
25 October 2020 | 9.071 |
| 2021 | Sydney Roosters |
16–4 | St George Illawarra Dragons |
Belinda Sharpe | Moreton Daily Stadium Brisbane |
10 April 2022 | 7,855 |
| 2022 | Newcastle Knights |
32–12 | Parramatta Eels |
Kasey Badger | Accor Stadium Sydney |
2 October 2022 | 42,921 |
| 2023 | Newcastle Knights |
24–18 | Gold Coast Titans |
Belinda Sharpe | Accor Stadium Sydney |
1 October 2023 | 40,649 |
| 2024 | Sydney Roosters |
32–28 | Cronulla Sharks |
Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski | Accor Stadium Sydney |
6 October 2024 | 40,623 |
| 2025 | Brisbane Broncos |
22-18 | Sydney Roosters |
Belinda Sharpe | Accor Stadium Sydney |
5 October 2025 | 46,288 |
Awards
[edit]The following major individual awards and accolades are presented each season:
- Best & Fairest Trophy – to the best and fairest player in the league, voted by the referees
- Leading Try Award – to the player who scores the most tries during the home-and-away season
- Rookie of the Year –[42]
- Veronica White Medal –[43]
- Karyn Murphy Medal – the best player on the ground in the NRL Women's Grand Final, not voted by a committee of media members[44]
| Season | Player of the Year | Rookie | Try Scorer | Veronica White | Karyn Murphy Medal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dally M Medal | RLPA Players' Champion | Community | Grand Final Player of the Match | |||
| 2018 | Brittany Breayley-Nati | NA | — | Taleena Simon | — | Kimiora Breayley-Nati |
| 2019 | Jessica Sergis | Jessica Sergis | Jessica Sergis |  Honey Hireme | Annette Brander | |
| 2020 | Ali Brigginshaw | Hannah Southwell | Kennedy Cherrington | Tamika Upton | Georgia Hale | Amber Hall |
| 2021 | Millie Boyle Emma Tonegato | Emma Tonegato | Destiny Brill | Madison Bartlett | Karina Brown | Sarah Togatuki |
| 2022 | Raecene McGregor | Raecene McGregor | Jesse Southwell | Teagan Berry Jayme Fressard Tamika Upton | Tamika Upton | |
| 2023 | Tamika Upton | Teagan Berry | Annessa Biddle | Teagan Berry |  Tahlulah Tillett | Tamika Upton |
| 2024 | Olivia Kernick | Isabelle Kelly | Kasey Reh | Julia Robinson Sheridan Gallagher Tiana Penitani | Kimberley Hunt | Tarryn Aiken |
| 2025 | Tamika Upton | Tamika Upton | Shalom Sauaso | Tamika Upton | Rhiannon Byers | Mele Hufanga |
Middo's Top 5 Players
[edit]Middo's Top 5 Players of 2023
[edit]Rugby League historian and statician, David Middleton has picked his top five players for the 2023 NRLW season.[45]
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Tamika Upton | Newcastle Knights |
| Tarryn Aiken | Sydney Roosters |
| Shannon Mato | Gold Coast Titans |
| Teagan Berry | St George Illawarra Dragons |
| Mele Hufanga | Brisbane Broncos |
Middo's Top 5 Players of 2024
[edit]Rugby League historian and statician, David Middleton has picked his top five players for the 2024 NRLW season.[46]
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Tarryn Aiken | Sydney Roosters |
| Isabelle Kelly | Sydney Roosters |
| Olivia Kernick | Sydney Roosters |
| Tiana Penitani-Gray | Cronulla Sharks |
| Julia Robinson | Brisbane Broncos |
Middo's Top 5 Players of 2025
[edit]Rugby League historian and statician, David Middleton has picked his top five players for the 2025 NRLW season.[47]
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Abbi Church | Parramatta Eels |
| Olivia Kernick | Sydney Roosters |
| Julia Robinson | Brisbane Broncos |
| Jesse Southwell | Newcastle Knights |
| Tamika Upton | Brisbane Broncos |
Records
[edit]Most appearances
[edit]The following players have made 40 or more appearances in NRLW matches.
Table last updated 6 July 2026 (after Round 1 of the 2026 Season).
| R | Player | Debut | Seasons | Matches | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ali Brigginshaw | 2018 | 9 | 57 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 1 |
| 1 | Keeley Nizza | 2018 | 9 | 57 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 1 |
| 3 | Chelsea Lenarduzzi | 2018 | 9 | 56 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 1 |
| 3 | Isabelle Kelly | 2018 | 9 | 56 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 1 |
| 5 | Yasmin Meakes | 2020 | 7 | 53 | — | — | 4 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 1 |
| 5 | Zahara Temara | 2018 | 9 | 53 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 6 |  9 | 9 | 10 | 1 |
| 7 | Jocelyn Kelleher | 2020 | 7 | 52 | — | — | 3 | 7 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 1 |
| 7 | Shaylee Bent | 2019 | 8 | 52 | — | 4 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 11 | 9 | 12 | 1 |
| 9 | Georgia Hale | 2018 | 9 | 51 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 11 | 9 | 11 | 1 |
| 9 | Tamika Upton | 2019 | 8 | 51 | — | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 1 |
| 11 | Simaima Taufa | 2018 | 9 | 50 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 11 | 1 |
| 12 | Ellie Johnston | 2020 | 7 | 49 | — | — | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 1 |
| 12 | Jessika Elliston | 2019 | 8 | 49 | — | 1 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 9 | 12 | 1 |
| 12 | Raecene McGregor | 2018 | 9 | 49 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 1 |
| 15 | Olivia Higgins | 2021 | 6 | 48 | — | — | — | 7 | 7 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 1 |
| 15 | Olivia Kernick | 2021 | 6 | 48 | — | — | — | 7 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 1 |
| 15 | Tallisha Harden | 2018 | 9 | 48 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 1 |
| 15 | Tiana Penitani Gray | 2019 | 7 | 48 | — | 4 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 12 | — |
| 19 | Holli Wheeler | 2018 | 8 | 47 | 3 | 4 | — | 7 | 6 | 7 | 10 |  9 | 1 |
| 19 | Jessica Sergis | 2018 | 9 | 47 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 13 | 1 |
| 19 | Julia Robinson | 2018 | 9 | 47 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 1 |
| 19 | Sarah Togatuki | 2018 | 8 | 47 | 3 | — | 4 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 1 |
| 19 | Shanice Parker | 2019 | 7 | 47 | — | 1 | 4 | — | 7 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 1 |
| 19 | Tayla Predebon | 2021 | 6 | 47 | — | — | — | 7 | 7 | 11 | 9 | 12 | 1 |
| 25 | Kirra Dibb | 2019 | 8 | 46 | — | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 1 |
| 25 | Lauren Brown | 2020 | 7 | 46 | — | — | 4 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 7 | 12 | 1 |
| 25 | Nita Maynard-Perrin | 2018 | 9 | 46 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 1 |
| 25 | Quincy Dodd | 2019 | 8 | 46 | — | 1 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 7 | 1 |
| 25 | Romy Teitzel | 2023 | 7 | 46 | — | — | 1 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 13 | 1 |
| 25 | Tarryn Aiken | 2019 | 8 | 46 | — | 4 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 1 |
| 31 | Hannah Southwell | 2018 | 9 | 45 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 1 |
| 31 | Keilee Joseph | 2021 | 5 | 45 | — | — | — | 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 13 | — |
| 33 | Emma Manzelmann | 2021 | 6 | 43 | — | — | — | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 1 |
| 33 | Emma Verran | 2021 | 5 | 43 | — | — | — | 7 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 12 | — |
| 35 | Brittany Breayley-Nati | 2018 | 7 | 42 | 4 | 4 | — | 6 | 5 | 11 | 9 | 3 | — |
| 35 | Brydie Parker | 2018 | 7 | 42 | 2 | — | 4 | 7 | — | 10 | 5 | 13 | 1 |
| 35 | Hayley Maddick | 2021 | 5 | 42 | — | — | — | 5 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 13 | — |
| 35 | Talei Holmes | 2020 | 6 | 42 | — | — | 3 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 10 | 13 | — |
| 35 | Teagan Berry | 2020 | 7 | 42 | — | — | 1 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 1 |
| 40 | Destiny Brill | 2021 | 5 | 41 | — | — | — | 6 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 11 | — |
| 40 | Jesse Southwell | 2022 | 5 | 41 | — | — | — | — | 7 | 11 | 9 | 13 | 1 |
| 40 | Kezie Apps | 2018 | 9 | 41 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 11 | 1 |
| 40 | Otesa Pule | 2022 | 5 | 41 | — | — | — | — | 6 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 1 |
| 40 | Shenae Ciesiolka | 2020 | 7 | 41 | — | — | 3 | 6 | 5 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 1 |
| 45 | Amber Hall | 2019 | 7 | 40 | — | 4 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 10 | 11 | — |
| 45 | Jada Ferguson | 2021 | 6 | 40 | — | — | — | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 1 |
| 45 | Leianne Tufuga | 2021 | 6 | 40 | — | — | — | 7 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 11 | 1 |
| 45 | Madison Bartlett | 2019 | 7 | 40 | — | 2 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 6 | — |
| 45 | Stephanie Hancock | 2018 | 7 | 40 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 7 | — | — |
Most games played for each club
[edit]Table last updated 7 July 2026 (after Round 1 of the 2026 season).
| Club | Player(s) | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Broncos | Ali Brigginshaw | 57 |
| Canberra Raiders | Sophie Holyman & Chanté Temara | 30 |
| Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs | Andie Robinson & Tayla Preston & Ebony Prior | 12 |
| Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks | Ellie Johnston | 34 |
| Gold Coast Titans | Jessika Elliston | 44 |
| Newcastle Knights | Shanice Parker & Yasmin Meakes | 42 |
| New Zealand Warriors | Apii Nicholls | 17 |
| North Queensland Cowboys | Emma Manzelmann & Jasmine Peters | 31 |
| Parramatta Eels | Abbi Church | 38 |
| St George Illawarra Dragons | Teagan Berry | 42 |
| Sydney Roosters | Isabelle Kelly | 54 |
| Wests Tigers | Sarah Togatuki | 28 |
Most Individual Points
[edit]The following players have scored 100 or more points in NRLW matches.
Table last updated 6 July 2026 (after Round 1 of the 2026 Season).
| R | Player | Debut | S | M | T | G | FG | P | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jocelyn Kelleher | 2020 | 7 | 52 | 7 | 122 | 1 | 273 | — | — | 0 | 1t | 2t | 2t 32g | 1t 37g | 1t 50g 1fg | 3g |
| 2 | Zahara Temara | 2018 | 9 | 53 | 7 | 111 | 3 | 253 | 3g | 0 | 1t 9g | 10g 1fg | 1t 21g | 1t 21g 1fg | 2t 25g | 2t 21g 1fg | 1g |
| 3 | Jesse Southwell | 2022 | 5 | 41 | 7 | 107 | 0 | 242 | — | — | — | — | 2t 6g | 3t 33g | 22g | 2t 41g | 5g |
| 4 | Romy Teitzel | 2020 | 7 | 46 | 14 | 74 | 0 | 204 | — | — | 0 | 2t | 3t | 0 | 4t 24g | 4t 50g | 1t |
| 5 | Kirra Dibb | 2019 | 8 | 46 | 6 | 88 | 2 | 202 | — | 4g | 1t 4g | 4g | 1t 15g | 1t 18g 1fg | 1t 18g 1fg | 2t 22g | 3g |
| 6 | Tamika Upton | 2019 | 8 | 51 | 47 | 0 | 0 | 188 | — | 1t | 5t | 1t | 5t | 7t | 7t | 20t | 1t |
| 7 | Rachael Pearson | 2021 | 6 | 39 | 5 | 83 | 1 | 187 | — | — | — | 1t 12g | 8g 1fg | 12g | 1t 22g | 3t 27g | 2g |
| 8 | Tayla Preston | 2022 | 5 | 38 | 3 | 84 | 0 | 180 | — | — | — | — | 1t 15g | 1t 25g | 22g | 1t 21g | 1g |
| 9 | Lauren Brown | 2020 | 7 | 46 | 6 | 70 | 3 | 167 | — | — | 1t | 19g | 7g | 1t 11g 2fg | 3t 11g | 1t 21g 1fg | 1g |
| 10 | Teagan Berry | 2020 | 7 | 42 | 38 | 1 | 0 | 154 | — | — | 1t 1g | 4t | 5t | 11t | 8t | 8t | 1t |
| 11 | Julia Robinson | 2018 | 9 | 47 | 32 | 0 | 0 | 128 | 2t | 1t | 2t | 1t | 3t | 5t | 9t | 9t | 0 |
| 12 | Ali Brigginshaw | 2018 | 9 | 57 | 14 | 35 | 0 | 126 | 2t | 1t | 1t | 1t | 2t 3g | 5t 32g | 1t | 0 | 1t |
| 13 | Jessica Sergis | 2018 | 9 | 47 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 120 | 1t | 3t | 1t | 1t | 2t | 7t | 5t | 8t | 2t |
| 13 | Madison Bartlett | 2019 | 7 | 40 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 120 | — | 1t | 1t | 6t | 3t | 7t | 8t | 4t | — |
| 15 | Sheridan Gallagher | 2023 | 4 | 33 | 25 | 8 | 0 | 116 | — | — | — | — | — | 7t 4g | 9t 3g | 9t | 1g |
| 16 | Raecene McGregor | 2018 | 9 | 49 | 2 | 49 | 0 | 106 | 0 | 1t | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14g | 19g | 1t 12g | 4g |
| 17 | Isabelle Kelly | 2018 | 9 | 56 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 100 | 2t | 0 | 0 | 4t | 3t | 5t | 3t | 7t | 1t |
| 17 | Jayme Fressard | 2020 | 7 | 38 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 100 | — | — | 0 | 1t | 5t | 6t | 6t | 5t | 2t |
| 17 | Mele Hufanga | 2023 | 3 | 33 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 100 | — | — | — | — | — | 10t | 7t | 8t | — |
Most Points in each season
[edit]As of 7 July 2026[update]
| Season | Player | Club | M | T | G | FG | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Chelsea Baker | Broncos | 4 | 2 | 15 | 0 | 38 |
| 2019 | Maddie Studdon | Dragons | 4 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 16 |
| 2020 | Meg Ward | Broncos | 4 | 1 | 13 | 0 | 30 |
| 2021 | Lauren Brown | Broncos | 6 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 38 |
| 2022 | Zahara Temara | Roosters | 6 | 1 | 21 | 0 | 46 |
| 2023 | Ali Brigginshaw | Broncos | 10 | 5 | 32 | 0 | 84 |
| 2024 | Jocelyn Kelleher | Roosters | 11 | 1 | 37 | 0 | 78 |
| 2025 | Romy Teitzel | Broncos | 13 | 4 | 50 | 0 | 116 |
| 2026 | Kerri Johnson | Broncos | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
- The maximum number of matches including finals has increased over time from 4 in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 seasons, 7 in 2021 and 2022, and 11 in 2023 and 2024, and a potential 14 from 2025.
- In the first five seasons, 2018 to 2022, the player with the most points in each season has also been the player with the most goals in each season.
- Jesse Southwell (Knights) with 78 points from 3 tries and 33 goals (from 11 games) finished in second place as point-scorer for the 2023 season, and also in first place as the leading goal scorer in 2023.
- Romy Teitzel (Broncos) with 64 points from 4 tries and 24 goals (from 9 games) was the leading point-scorer for 2024 at the completion of the rounds. Jocelyn Kelleher was in second place with 62 points from 1 try and 29 goals. Kelleher was the leading goal-kicker at the competition of the rounds. Zahara Temara was in third place for the 2024 season with 58 points from 2 tries and 25 goals.
- Kelleher's tally went above Teitzel's tally in the Semi-Final, with the former kicking 4 goals and the latter unable to play due to injury. Kelleher added a further 8 points from 4 goals in the Grand Final.
- After 11 rounds of the 2025 season, Romy Teitzel on 106 points led Jocelyn Kelleher (Roosters), 94, Jesse Southwell (Knights), 78, and Tamika Upton, 72.
- After the Grand Final of the 2025 season, Romy Teitzel on 116 points led Jocelyn Kelleher (Roosters), 105, Jesse Southwell (Knights), 80, and Tamika Upton, also 80.
Most tries scored
[edit]In a career
[edit]The following is a list of the top 20 leading try scorers in NRLW history.
Table last updated 6 July 2026 (after the game 6 of round 1 of the 2026 Season).
| R | Player | M | T | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tamika Upton | 51 | 47 | — | 1 |
5 |
1 |
5 |
7 |
7 |
20 |
1 |
| 2 | Teagan Berry | 42 | 38 | — | — | 1 |
4 |
5 |
11 |
8 |
8 |
1 |
| 3 | Julia Robinson | 46 | 32 | 2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
9 |
9 |
— |
| =4 | Madison Bartlett | 40 | 30 | — | 1 |
1 |
6 |
3 |
7 |
8 |
4 |
— |
| =4 | Jessica Sergis | 47 | 30 | 1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
7 |
5 |
8 |
2 |
| =6 | Sheridan Gallagher | 33 | 25 | — | — | — | — | — | 7 |
9 |
9 |
— |
| =6 | Mele Hufanga | 33 | 25 | — | — | — | — | — | 10 |
7 |
8 |
— |
| =6 | Isabelle Kelly | 56 | 25 | 2 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
3 |
7 |
1 |
| =6 | Jayme Fressard | 38 | 25 | — | — | 0 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
2 |
| 10 | Jaime Chapman | 37 | 21 | — | — | 0 |
3 |
4 |
9 |
3 |
2 |
— |
| =11 | Olivia Kernick | 48 | 20 | — | — | — | 3 |
3 |
1 |
6 |
7 |
— |
| =11 | Georgia Ravics | 29 | 20 | — | — | — | — | — | 5 |
5 |
10 |
— |
| =11 | Tarryn Aiken | 46 | 20 | — | 0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
1 |
| 14 | Tiana Penitani Gray | 48 | 18 | — | 2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
9 |
0 |
— |
| =15 | Shenae Ciesiolka | 41 | 17 | — | — | 0 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
— |
| =15 | Emma Verran | 43 | 17 | — | — | — | 4 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
9 |
— |
| =17 | Emily Bass | 29 | 16 | — | — | — | 4 |
0 |
2 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
| =17 | Chelsea Lenarduzzi | 56 | 16 | 0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
— |
| =17 | Jasmine Peters | 38 | 16 | — | — | — | 4 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
— |
| =17 | Simaima Taufa | 50 | 16 | 0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
Most Tries in each season
[edit]As of 7 July 2026[update]
| Season | Player | Club | Matches | Tries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Taleena Simon | Roosters | 4 | 4 |
| 2019 | Jessica Sergis | Dragons | 4 | 3 |
| 2020 | Tamika Upton | Broncos | 4 | 5 |
| 2021 | Madison Bartlett | Dragons | 6 | 6 |
| 2022 | Teagan Berry | Dragons | 6 | 5 |
| Jayme Fressard | Roosters | 5 | ||
| Tamika Upton | Knights | 5 | ||
| 2023 | Teagan Berry | Dragons | 9 | 11 |
| 2024 | Sheridan Gallagher | Knights | 8 | 9 |
| Julia Robinson | Broncos | 10 | ||
| Tiana Penitani | Sharks | 11 | ||
| 2025 | Tamika Upton | Broncos | 13 | 20 |
| 2026 | Kerri Johnson | Broncos | 1 | 3 |
- Gallagher and Robinson with 9 tries each, were the equal leading try scorers for 2024 at the completion of the rounds. Both played in their team's respective Semi-Final, but neither scored.
- Penitani scored six tries across the nine rounds of the regular season, one try in the Semi-Final and two tries in the Grand Final.
- Two players were in equal fourth place for the 2024 season with 8 tries: Teagan Berry (Dragons) and Madison Bartlett (Raiders).
- After 11 rounds of the 2025 season, Tamika Upton (Broncos) with 18 tries led Payton Takimoana (Warriors), on 15 tries, Taina Naividi (Roosters) on 11 tries and Georgia Ravis (Sharks) on 10 tries.
- After the Grand Final of the 2025 season, Tamika Upton (Broncos) with 20 tries led Payton Takimoana (Warriors), on 15 tries, Taina Naividi (Roosters) on 11 tries and Georgia Ravis (Sharks) and Kerri Johnson (Broncos) on 10 tries.
Most Tries in a Match
[edit]| Player | Club | Tries | Times | Date | Round | Opponent | Venue | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taleena Simon | Roosters | 4 | 4' 8' 10' 33' | 22 Sep 2018 | 3 | Dragons | Allianz Stadium | NRL |
| Mele Hufanga | Broncos | 4 | 6' 27' 37' 40' | 5 Aug 2023 | 3 | Cowboys | Queensland Country Bank Stadium | NRL |
| Teagan Berry | Dragons | 4 | 28' 42' 49' 66' | 26 Aug 2023 | 6 | Titans | Netsrata Jubilee Stadium | NRL |
| Mele Hufanga | Broncos | 4 | 29' 34' 46' 62' | 12 Aug 2024 | 3 | Titans | Totally Workwear Stadium | NRL |
| Emma Verran | Sharks | 4 | 12' 23' 32' 38' | 12 Jul 2025 | 2 | Raiders | GIO Stadium | NRL |
| Tamika Upton | Broncos |
4 | 24' 44' 49' 65' | 31 Aug 2025 | 9 | Bulldogs |
Totally Workwear Stadium | NRL |
Most Goals in a Match
[edit]| Player | Club | Goals | Times | Missed | Date | Round | Opponent | Venue | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tayla Preston | Sharks | 8 | 2' 5' 11' 31' 34' 39' 55' 70' | 21' 64' | 17 Sep 2023 | 9 | Eels | GIO Stadium | NRL |
| Georgia Hannaway | Sharks | 8 | 4' 13' 24' 28' 34' 41' 50' 67' | 40' 54' | 12 Jul 2025 | 2 | Raiders | GIO Stadium | NRL |
| Zahara Temara | Raiders | 8 | 10' 15' 24' 28' 42' 55' 57' 60' | 2' 52' | 23 Aug 2025 | 8 | Bulldogs | Belmore Sports Ground | NRL |
Premierships
[edit]| Tally | Club | Seasons | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Brisbane Broncos | 2018, 2019, 2020, 2025 | [48][49][50] |
| 2 | Newcastle Knights | 2022, 2023 | [51][52] |
| 2 | Sydney Roosters | 2021, 2024 | [53][54] |
Most consecutive
[edit]- 3 –
Brisbane Broncos (2018 to 2020) - 2 –
Newcastle Knights (2022 to 2023)
Runners-up
[edit]| Tally | Club | Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Sydney Roosters | 2018, 2020, 2025 |
| 2 |  St. George Illawarra Dragons | 2019, 2021 |
| 1 | Parramatta Eels | 2022 |
| 1 | Gold Coast Titans | 2023 |
| 1 | Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks | 2024 |
Minor Premierships
[edit]| Tally | Club | Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Brisbane Broncos | 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024 |
| 2 | Sydney Roosters | 2022, 2025 |
| 1 | Newcastle Knights | 2023 |
Most consecutive
[edit]- 4 – Brisbane Broncos (2018 to 2021)
Matches played
[edit]| All time ladder | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pos | Team | First game | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | Win% | Share % |
| 1 | Brisbane Broncos | 9 September 2018 | 57 | 42 | 0 | 15 | 1558 | 800 | 73.68% | 66.07% |
| 2 | Sydney Roosters | 8 September 2018 | 59 | 41 | 0 | 18 | 1419 | 834 | 69.49% | 62.98% |
| 3 | Newcastle Knights | 27 February 2022 | 47 | 31 | 0 | 16 | 1070 | 784 | 65.96% | 57.71% |
| 4 | Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks | 23 July 2023 | 34 | 18 | 0 | 16 | 651 | 551 | 52.94% | 54.16% |
| 5 | Gold Coast Titans | 27 February 2022 | 44 | 20 | 1 | 23 | 693 | 841 | 46.59% | 45.18% |
| 7 | New Zealand Warriors | 8 September 2018 | 21 | 9 | 0 | 12 | 336 | 372 | 42.86% | 47.46% |
| 6 | North Queensland Cowboys | 22 July 2023 | 31 | 13 | 0 | 18 | 478 | 734 | 41.94% | 39.44% |
| 8 | Canberra Raiders | 23 July 2023 | 30 | 12 | 0 | 18 | 570 | 751 | 40.00% | 43.15% |
| 9 | St George Illawarra Dragons | 9 September 2018 | 53 | 19 | 0 | 34 | 845 | 1112 | 35.85% | 43.18% |
| 10 | Parramatta Eels | 27 February 2022 | 42 | 15 | 0 | 27 | 663 | 997 | 35.71% | 39.94% |
| 11 | Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs | 4 July 2025 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 172 | 342 | 29.17% | 33.46% |
| 12 | Wests Tigers | 23 July 2023 | 30 | 6 | 0 | 24 | 372 | 709 | 20.00% | 34.41% |
Last updated: 6 July 2026 (after Round 1 of the 2026 NRL Women's season)
Share % is the percentage of points For over the sum of points For and Against.
Media coverage
[edit]Television
[edit]In its inaugural season all matches will be televised live by affiliate partners the Nine Network and Fox League.[55] And NRLWRAP
Online
[edit]The official internet/mobile broadcast partner of the NRL is 9Now and Kayo Sports.
Outside Australia, the inaugural season is available on WatchNRL.
Corporate relations
[edit]Sponsorship
[edit]Holden is the league's past and inaugural naming rights partner.[56][57]
Telstra is the league's naming rights partner.
All playing and training equipment as well as all licensed apparel and hats for the league's four clubs are manufactured by Nike.
Other league sponsors include Rebel Sport,[58] Harvey Norman and Kellogg's.
Merchandising
[edit]Official match day attire together with other club merchandise is sold through the NRL's stores and website as well through the clubs and through some retailers.
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ↑ Lulham, Amanda (29 August 2016). "Women's rugby league passes test with flying colours as Cronulla beat Dragons in historic nines match". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- ↑ Carayannis, Michael (27 August 2016). "The Sharks have beaten the Dragons 16–12 in a historic NRL womens [sic] nines match". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- ↑ Coman, James (11 March 2017). "Women's Nines: Sharks defeat Raiders". Raiders.com.au. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- ↑ "Women's Rugby League World Cup: Australia's Jillaroos beat New Zealand 23–16 in final to claim world title". ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). 2 December 2017. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- 1 2 Bungard, Matt (6 December 2017). "NRL 2018: National women's competition set to run next season". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- ↑ Bungard, Matt; Proszenko, Adrian (6 December 2017). "NRL 2018: Knights, Dragons first to declare bids for licences for women's tournament". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- ↑ Jennings, Mitch (22 February 2018). "Apps backs Dragons women's NRL bid". Bega District News. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
- ↑ "Dragons confirm interest in women's competition". Dragons.com.au. 6 December 2017. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- ↑ Barnsley, Warren (20 December 2017). "New women's NRL excites Jillaroos but more details are needed, say players". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
- ↑ Bollen, Fiona (9 March 2018). "NRL women's comp starts 2018, what we know and don't know about it". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
- ↑ Perry, Jodan (6 December 2017). "NRL Women's Premiership a dream come true for Jillaroos hero Ruan Sims". ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- ↑ Cavanagh, Chris (6 December 2017). "Melbourne Storm pushing for team in new women's competition". Herald Sun. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- ↑ "NRL left without women's team out west". Special Broadcasting Service. 17 February 2018. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
- ↑ Arnold, Rikki-Lee (19 March 2018). "Broncos win spot in NRL women's competition". news.com.au. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
- ↑ Newton, Alicia (27 March 2018). "Geographic location the focus as NRL women's teams announced". NRL.com. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
- ↑ "Knights, Titans and Eels to join NRLW in 2021". NRL. 11 June 2021.
- ↑ "ARLC announce expansion for NRLW, Women's State of Origin". NRL. 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ↑ Walter, Brad (15 March 2022). "Stars set to earn fulltime deals in expanded NRLW". NRL. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ↑ Riccio, David (23 April 2022). "Abdo Responds To Shark Alarm". Daily Telegraph. p. 95.
- ↑ "Raiders aim for 2023 NRLW inclusion". Raiders.com.au. 29 November 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ↑ Polkinghorne, David (23 April 2022). "Canberra lodges submission to join NRLW expansion". Canberra Times.
- ↑ "Special delivery: Sharks confirm intent to join NRLW in 2023". NRL. 22 April 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
- ↑ "Cowboys launch NRLW bid". Cowboys.com.au. 24 February 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ↑ "Cowboys to apply for 2023 NRLW". Cowboys.com.au. 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ↑ "Cowboys formally submit bid for 2023 NRLW team". NRL. 22 April 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
- ↑ "Rabbitohs Welcome NRLW Expansion and Investment in Women's Game". South Sydney Rabbitohs. 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ↑ Newton, Alicia (14 October 2021). "Wests Tigers' NRLW push heats up with Apps, Sergis signings". Wests Tigers. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ↑ Becht, Richard (11 June 2021). "Warriors out of 2021 NRLW but will return next year". Warriors.Kiwi. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ↑ "Statement on NRLW expansion". NRL. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- ↑ "NRLW Announcement". NRL. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
- ↑ Newton, Alicia (15 June 2022). "Sharks, Raiders, Cowboys and Wests Tigers to join NRLW in 2023". NRL. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
- ↑ "Rabbitohs statement regarding NRLW licences and expansion". South Sydney Rabbitohs. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
- ↑ "Club Statement: NRLW submission". Penrith Panthers. Panthers Media. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
- ↑ "New NRLW teams announced for 2025 competition". NRL. 28 March 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- ↑ "NRL women get elite contracts". www.news.com.au.
- ↑ "NRL 2018 salary cap: NRL, RLPA agree to new pay deal for players". foxsports.com.au. 3 November 2017.
- ↑ "Elite female rugby league contracts confirmed for 2019". April 2019.
- ↑ Stars set to earn fulltime deals in expanded NRLW by Brad Walter for NRL.com Senior 15 Mar 2022
- ↑ "Panthers and Dragons looking to find form before finals". The Roar. 29 August 2018. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
- ↑ Newton, Alicia (4 September 2018). "What you need to know: NRL Holden Women's Premiership". NRL.com. Retrieved 5 September 2018.
- ↑ "RLIF welcomes announcement of Downers Rugby League World Cup 9s". nrl.com. RLIF. 29 November 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
- ↑ "Women's Rugby League". www.facebook.com.
- ↑ "Veronica White Medal".
- ↑ "NRL announces Karyn Murphy medal for women's best". National Rugby League. 3 September 2018.
- ↑ "David Middleton's top five NRL and NRLW players of 2023". nrl.com.au. League Information Services. 23 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
- ↑ "David Middleton's top five NRLW players of 2024". nrl.com.au. League Information Services. 28 December 2024. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
- ↑ "David Middleton's top 5 NRLW players of 2025". nrl.com.au. League Information Services. 24 December 2025. Retrieved 24 December 2025.
- ↑ Newton, Alicia (30 September 2018). "Broncos smash Roosters to win inaugural NRLW". NRL. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
- ↑ Newton, Alicia (6 October 2019). "Broncos thump Dragons to claim back-to-back NRLW titles". NRL. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
- ↑ Newton, Alicia (25 October 2020). "Three-peat complete: Brilliant Broncos kick clear of plucky Roosters". NRL. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
- ↑ Hogan, Kelsey (2 October 2022). "On the up and Upton: No.1 gun leads Knights to maiden NRLW title". NRL. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
- ↑ "From the Winner's sheds: Ronald Griffiths". NRL. 2 October 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
- ↑ Lenehan, Martin (10 April 2022). "Third time lucky as Roosters down Dragons in epic NRLW decider". NRL. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
- ↑ Mee, Cameron (6 October 2024). "Roosters hold off Sharks to claim NRLW decider". NRL. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ↑ "Nine reveal exciting 2018 rugby league coverage". wwos.nine.com.au. 28 February 2018.
- ↑ "NRL Holden Women's Premiership teams announced". National Rugby League. 26 March 2018.
- ↑ "NRL Holden Women's Premiership teams announced". media.gm.com. 28 March 2018.
- ↑ "NRL and Rebel announce partnership". National Rugby League. 7 September 2018.
- ↑ "Home". steeden.com.au.
External links
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