Queensland and New South Wales rivalry will continue well into July, with the Women’s Interstate Challenge match confirmed for Saturday, July 23 on the Gold Coast.
The Nellie Doherty Cup match between the best female rugby league players in Queensland and New South Wales will be played prior to the Titans v Eels Round 20 clash at Cbus Super Stadium.
Queensland prop Heather Ballinger – who was recently a panellist at the Gold Coast Titan’s Women in League event – said she was excited to see the women’s game was again being highlighted to a broader audience.
“The women's league is growing massively and to be given this great opportunity to show off our skills and toughness ahead of a main NRL game between the Titans and Eels – the girls are pumped,” last year’s QRL Women’s Representative Player of the Year award winner said.
“We hope to display an entertaining game of rugby league in front of a wider audience at Cbus Super Stadium.
“As a Queenslander, the pride in pulling on the jersey is what the girls are most passionate about.
“Hearing the cheers and support when in front of our home fans when taking to the field sends shivers through the body; it is an experience never forgotten.”
Both teams will be looking to capitalise on the growing pathways, fan base and media exposure that women’s rugby league continues to attract.
Many of the Harvey Norman Jillaroos players that took on the Kiwi Ferns in the Test match in early May are likely to be on opposing teams come July, with New South Wales looking for their first win against Queensland in almost two decades of competition.
The Queensland side have remained undefeated for the past 17 years – however, NSW were able to halt their winning streak last year with a hard-fought 4-4 draw in Townsville.
See the highlights of that match in the video above.
Fans who purchase tickets to the Titans v Eels match are encouraged to arrive at the ground early to witness the women’s match, with the cost of a ticket including both matches on Saturday.
The Women’s Interstate Challenge will kick off at approximately 3.10pm. Keep an eye on QRL.com.au for more details.
The Queensland team will be announced on June 5 at the conclusion of the State Carnival with the NSW team announced on July 3.
Both the Queensland and NSW teams will be in camp on the Gold Coast in the lead up to the match.
