The first ever Northern Districts Rugby League Women's LeagueTag match was held at the South Kolan Sports Field last Sunday in a great initiative by the League.
The aim of the competition is to welcome women and allow the local clubs to be more inclusive - extending their involvement beyond the current Men's competition spanning 54 years.
The Northern Districts competition has struggled in recent times and the initiative hopes to reinvigorate the area by bringing in the heart of the game – the women.
The decision to play LeagueTag instead of rugby league was an easy choice for the NDRL committee with the non-contact element of the game introducing girls (13+) and mums to the game and allowing them to participate without the risk of injury.
Also, due to the area bordering on both strong Central Queensland (Rockhampton / Gladstone) and Bundaberg Women's competitions, the League doesn't wish to take players away from those clubs and their competitions.
Whilst in its infancy stage with only the Avondale Tigers and Agnes Water Marlins participating this season, the League is confident this will grow to four or five teams next season given the number of interested onlookers.
Speaking to the Bundaberg News-Mail after the match, Agnes Waters captain Natasha Price enjoyed the experience.
"It was great," Price said. "It was just a bit of fun as none of us had played League or LeagueTag before and the girls really enjoyed it."
The Tigers had pace, were strong with their runners out-wide and were the pacesetters from the onset, coming out victors.
To the Marlins' credit, they never gave up and will be better for the experience.
The women are set to play five more 'showcase' games in the coming weeks ahead of their final match at the NDRL grand final on Saturday, August 26 in Miriam Vale.
To find out more, visit the Northern Districts Rugby League Facebook page.
*This story was written by Bundaberg QRL Operations Manager Dave Pearce and Bundaberg News-Mail's Shane Jones
