QRL Board approves expanded role for Queensland women’s coach

Queensland Rugby League is stepping up its commitment to the female performance sector with confirmation today the role of 2021 Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons coach will expand to include work across a multifaceted program.

The move to increase the responsibilities of the State of Origin coach represents another significant investment into the women’s program heading into the start of the new season. 

It comes with the backing of the QRL Board, which has carefully considered the findings of a review into its Origin programs.

Having arrived at this decision, the QRL is now seeking suitable candidates to apply for the position of Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons head coach in 2021. 

The Maroons will play New South Wales on June 25 at a yet to be confirmed venue.

Preparations for this game and other key coaching responsibilities will start in the months prior, with the successful applicant to be actively involved with the clubs participating in the BHP Premiership.

In line with the ‘network leadership’ requirements, the Maroons mentor will have a charter to establish regular communication with coaches and clubs, and support the QRL in lifting the overall standard of women’s rugby league through coach development.

Preparing an annual calendar for the program that includes squad communication, selection meetings, training schedules and program staff meetings are other key obligations.

QRL managing director Robert Moore said the coach would play a pivotal role in connecting the players and coaches within the BHP Premiership.

“This is about striving to set new standards across the women’s program,” Moore said.

“We’ve now got a great opportunity to do just that following the review, and we look forward to getting the application process underway and settling on the right person to take us forward.

“We anticipate this role will attract interest from an array of highly-credentialed coaches who have been involved with national and state club competitions, as well as members of the successful 2020 coaching team.”

The Jason Hetherington-coached Maroons fielded seven debutants in last year’s 24-18 victory over NSW, the state’s first over the Blues since the Origin concept began in 2018.

With the start of the QRL’s statewide competitions fast approaching, coaches and performance staff from BHP Premiership and Harvey Norman Under 19 clubs will gather at Rugby League Central this weekend for an elite women’s coaching performance forum.