EXCLUSIVE: To Support the NRLW, We Must Invest in Those Who Sustain It

As the Women’s State of Origin sets new records and the NRLW gains momentum, the treatment of support staff showcases significant flaws in the foundation of the sport — flaws that could jeopardise its future if not rectified.

Last Thursday, Suncorp Stadium witnessed a historic turnout, with 26,022 fans flocking to observe the first game of the Women’s State of Origin series.

More than 2 million viewers tuned in on Channel 9, marking it as the most-viewed rugby league match, whether men’s or women’s, on free-to-air television this year.

This is not merely a milestone; it’s indicative of a growing movement.

Over the past three years, I’ve had the honour of being on the sidelines for Nine’s NRLW coverage.

With each passing season, the women’s game is gaining traction. More fans, more supporters, and an increasing number of young girls and boys looking up to our female football heroes.

However, while the athletes are ascending, I worry there lies a significant threat to the sustainability of the game.

This issue is unfolding behind the scenes, concerning the individuals who ensure these athletes can compete at their best.

Ahead of the Origin clash, the Cronulla Sharks advertised a physiotherapist position for their NRLW team. This role demanded attendance at four training sessions each week, match day responsibilities, and rehab planning.

Tune in to watch the 2025 Women’s State of Origin series live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Remarkably, it was listed as a volunteer role.

After concerns were voiced online, the Sharks revised the listing, clarifying that it was intended as an “honorarium position” and that the unpaid label was a mistake.

Nonetheless, the Australian Physiotherapy Association deemed the advertisement “exploitative”, stating: “Utilising volunteer physiotherapists in professional sport undervalues the discipline and compromises player welfare”.

Instances like this have shown me that “honorarium” often translates to “underpayment”.

A physio I know (who wishes to remain anonymous) worked under a similar condition for an NRLW club two years ago. She was promised $7,500 for the season but ultimately received only $2,500.

Over a ten-week span, she devoted herself to three four-hour training sessions a week, along with full game days, travelled interstate, and even provided additional unpaid rehab for an injured player because her sense of duty outweighed financial considerations.

She clocked over 150 hours, earning approximately $16 per hour — less than a casual retail worker — for a position that required a degree, accreditation, and accountability for elite-level care. Ultimately, she didn’t return the following year. Not because she lacked passion for working with the players, but because passion doesn’t foot the bill.

This issue extends beyond mere financial concerns; it’s about safety and standards.

Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine indicates that female athletes are up to six times more susceptible to ACL injuries than their male counterparts, and studies on female physiology’s response to elite training loads are still in their nascent stages.

Until that knowledge catches up, the best safeguard players have against injuries is a well-equipped, highly skilled support team. And they are acutely aware of this.

Numerous conversations with NRLW athletes have underscored that their progress isn’t solely tied to their contracts — it’s equally about the people supporting them.

They seek dedicated physios, S&C coaches, dietitians, and media managers who can be relied upon and who are fully committed to their welfare. Currently, however, few roles within the NRLW are full-time, and dedication doesn’t cease during the off-season.

Enhanced support translates to improved performance. Better performance heralds a more robust future.

One comment on an Instagram reel I created regarding this matter stated:

“You can only reward them if there’s revenue… NRLW is funded by the men’s game. Can you and others step into reality, cheers…”

This sentiment is familiar: that the women’s game is fortunate to be in existence.

Yet, this perspective overlooks what the NRL itself has acknowledged: that women and girls’ rugby league is the sport’s fastest-growing segment, making it critical for a sustainable future.

Additionally, the NRL and RLPA’s collective bargaining agreement (2023) included specified funding for the NRLW, with measures aimed at enhancing working conditions and minimum standards, not just for the players, but also for the club support staff.

The NRL’s Women’s Rugby League Action Plan 2023–2027 emphasises “enhancing professional pathways” as a crucial element for growth, which explicitly includes the development and retention of quality coaching, high-performance, and medical personnel.

Clearly, the pressing issue lies not in a lack of resources or strategies — it is in how these priorities are enacted at the club level.

Moreover, unpaid roles are not a “fantastic opportunity” for graduates.

Professional sport necessitates qualified professionals. If we aspire for NRLW players to thrive, we must prioritise investment in their support network rather than taking advantage of them.

Women’s and girls’ football is the future of rugby league. It is time to build it appropriately and ensure everyone involved receives fair compensation for their contributions.