Tim Wood - QRL Outback
History was made in the Central West over the weekend, with the region’s first ever 13-a-side senior women’s Rugby League match marking a significant step forward for the game out west.
In a landmark moment for the competition, the Winton Diamantina Devils and Aramac Bushpigs launched a three-game open women’s mini-series, showcasing the growth of the female game and the passion that continues to drive Rugby League in regional Queensland.
The series—driven by the commitment and vision of Aramac Coach and President Jack Campbell, Winton Secretary (and player) Chloe Cain, and Devils President Kelland Elliott—has been months in the making, with the aim of creating genuine opportunities for women to play full-format Rugby League in the Central West.
Game one was played at the Longreach Showgrounds on Saturday, 16 May, as a curtain raiser to the Longreach/Ilfracombe Tigers v Barcaldine Sand Goannas A Grade clash as part of the club’s annual Ladies Day—a fitting stage to celebrate women in league both on and off the field.
And the match certainly delivered.
In front of a strong crowd, both sides went toe-to-toe in a spirited contest played with plenty of grit, mutual respect and sportsmanship—everything you’d expect from two proud bush footy outfits.
Aramac came away with a 22–6 victory, but the scoreboard only told part of the story.
Bushpigs fullback Mary Macintosh was outstanding, crossing for a double, while Laylah Williamson and Daniella Mudu also got on the scoresheet. Mudu added the extras, finishing with three goals in a polished individual performance.
Winton scored through Petia Jones, with Rayliesha Ellis converting, as the Devils showed plenty of fight and determination across the 60 minutes.
More importantly, the game marked the beginning of what is hoped to be a long-term future for women’s Rugby League in the region.
The Central West competition has long been a cornerstone of community sport across vast and remote areas, built on resilience, volunteer effort and strong local identity.
Now, the women’s game is carving out its own path—mirroring broader statewide growth, with female participation in Rugby League continuing to rise in recent years across Queensland.
This mini-series shapes as a key step in that journey.
Game two will head to Winton on 13 June, before the decider is played at Alpha on 20 June, giving all three Central West communities the chance to be part of what is already a history-making competition.
For Aramac, the momentum goes beyond just this series.
After more than three decades in the Rugby League wilderness, the Bushpigs are building towards a full return as an independent QRL-affiliated club, with aspirations to stand on their own two feet by 2027. Having already fielded men’s and women’s teams in recent 9-a-side competitions, this series represents another major step forward in that journey.
And if game one was anything to go by, the future of women’s Rugby League in the Central West is in good hands.
