Female rugby league players are in for another big year and here's a guide on where to catch some of the world's best players in 2019.
When she's not representing Australia or NSW, women's Golden Boot winner Isabelle Kelly is donning the CRL Newcastle jersey in the NSW Harvey Norman Women's Premiership.
Kiwi Ferns juggernaut Teuila Fotu-Moala is also part of the NSW competition, representing the North Sydney Bears.
If you're around the Sutherland Shire, Corban McGregor is back in black, white and blue for the Cronulla Sharks after shoulder surgery. You can also watch NRLW Dragons stars Kezie Apps playing for the Helensburgh Tigers. Due to being pregnant, Sam Bremner will swap her boots for the coaches clipboard at the Tigers.
In Queensland's state competition, Dally M winner Brittany Breayley and Broncos captain Ali Brigginshaw link up for Ipswich Brothers, while Queenslanders Zahara Temara and Tazmin Gray are back for another season at the Burleigh Bears.
And if you happen to be visiting Central Queensland, Brisbane Broncos star fullback Chelsea Baker will be on show for the Gladstone Raidettes.
Club performances go a long way towards future selection in representative sides for major games on the rugby league calendar, which kicks off in May.
Competitions
- New South Wales - News
- Queensland - News
- Victoria - Draw
- Western Australia - News
- South Australia
- Northern Territory - Draw | News
- New Zealand - Draw | News
Key dates
Harvey Norman National Championships
When: Thursday, May 30 – Sunday, June 2
Where: Burleigh, Gold Coast
Six teams will compete at the championships with Origin and NRLW spots on the line. NSW and Queensland will field a host of the game's top stars in their City and Country sides while the Australian Defence Force and Combined Affiliated States will also feature in the four-day tournament. NSW Country were crowned 2018 champions, edging out NSW City 16-12 last season.
Match Highlights: NSW v QLD - Women's State of Origin
Holden Women's State of Origin
When: Friday, June 21
Where: North Sydney Oval
Tickets: tickets.nrl.com
NSW and Queensland meet for a second time under the official State of Origin banner in 2019. Last year's corresponding game generated an audience of a million viewers and attracted a crowd of 6824. NSW broke a 10-10 deadlock to overcome a gallant Queensland side.
NRL Women's Premiership
When: Friday, September 13 – Sunday, October 6
Where: Australia and New Zealand
Tickets: tickets.nrl.com
The NRL announced the competition will remain a four-team, three-round concept with the top two sides to battle it out for the title. The Broncos will be chasing back-to-back titles. The Broncos, Sydney Roosters, St George Illawarra Dragons and Warriors will sign new recruits throughout the season with the National Championships and State of Origin clash to play an important part in the signing process.
Downer Rugby League World Cup 9s
When: Saturday, October 18 – Sunday, October 19
Where: Bankwest Stadium
Tickets: tickets.nrl.com
International rugby league is set to reach new heights with the introduction of the World Cup 9s in 2019. Four women's international sides including World Cup final opponents the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns are set to feature in the tournament, along with visiting nations England and Papua New Guinea.
Australian PM's XIII v PNG Kumuls PM’s XIII
When: October (date TBC)
Where: ANZ National Stadium, Suva Fiji
For the first time, Fiji will play host to both the men and women's Australian Prime Minister's XIII sides against Papua New Guinea in Suva in the first game following the NRL grand final. The Australians will pick emerging stars on the rise for the clash, while the Orchids will field a strong side full of home-grown talent.
Match Highlights: Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos, 2018
Australian Jillaroos v New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Test Match
When: Friday, October 25
Where: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Tickets: tickets.nrl.com
Catch the world champion Jillaroos in action for just the second time against the Kiwi Ferns since the two nation's met in the 2017 World Cup final. With all the focus towards the 2021 tournament, the end of season clash is set to be another huge occasion with Trans-Tasman rivalries on the line and players fresh out of the NRLW competition.
NRL.com non-match programming
- Wednesday's Our Way
- Women's State of Origin special
- NRLW Previews
- NRL.com Podcasts - The Broader Game
TV Broadcast – Domestic & International
Within Australia
If you can't make it to a game and want to catch live games on TV, Channel 9 and Fox League are where you can watch them. Channel 9 will present Thursday night, Friday night (second game) and Sunday afternoon games on free-to-air. Fox League will broadcast all games.
Within New Zealand
If you're in New Zealand, you can access NRL matches through SKY New Zealand. Content will be available each week across both TV and digital platforms with fans able to access both live and replayed matches.
Full replays of two NRL matches per week (including the match in which the New Zealand Warriors feature) will also be available on free television. For more details on these replays, check your local guides.
NRL Account
An NRL Account provides free unlimited access across our entire network including all the Telstra Premiership clubs and states. Also included is free entry to the NRL Fantasy and Tipping competitions every year, entry to competitions and special partner offers, access to NRL TV and the ability to secure pre-sale tickets for NRL Events.
International Streaming – Live Pass & Watch NRL
WatchNRL, powered by Fox Sports, is the official way to stream every game of the NRL live or on-demand whilst you're overseas. Away for a week? Live overseas? You don't need to miss your team play with WatchNRL. There are multiple subscription options that will meet your needs. Subscribe now.
