QRL celebrates Harvey Norman Women in League Round
Queensland Rugby League (QRL) will celebrate the outstanding contribution of women and girls across the game during Harvey Norman Women in League Round this weekend.
From the players and match officials taking the field each week to the administrators, coaches and volunteers who are the heartbeat of clubs and leagues throughout Queensland, the QRL proudly acknowledges the vital role women play at every level of rugby league.
Players competing in the BMD Premiership and Hostplus Cup this weekend will grip Harvey Norman Women in League-themed footballs and will wear pink socks in recognition of Women in League Round across Queensland's premier male and female competitions.
The BMD Premiership continues to go from strength to strength, with 12 clubs starting the season in pursuit of finals glory.
With plans for continued growth in the years ahead, the competition will remain a key development platform for future NRLW stars and Queensland representatives.
Supporting the elite pathway is a thriving network of community competitions, with participation figures highlighting the remarkable growth of the female game across the state.
In 2026, the QRL has recorded:
* 13,591 registered female players, representing a 12.07% increase on the same period last year.
* 8456 registered female volunteers, an 8.77% increase year-on-year.
The growth is particularly evident in the game's youngest age groups, with the QRL recording a record number of girls entering the sport through the TackleReady pathway at Under 6 and Under 7 level.
There are currently 1394 girls aged seven and under participating in rugby league across Queensland, representing a 24% increase on last year's total.
The introduction of additional female tackle age groups in regions including Brisbane has also contributed to significant participation growth among girls aged 10-12 years.
The strength of the female pathway continues to be demonstrated at the elite level.
Last weekend, another graduate of the Harvey Norman Under 17 and Under 19 competitions and the BMD Premiership took the next step in her rugby league journey.
Brisbane Tigers hooker Enah Desic made her NRLW debut for the Gold Coast Titans in their thrilling victory over the New Zealand Warriors, becoming the latest example of the opportunities now available to young female players across Queensland.
QRL Interim CEO Glenn Ottaway said Women in League Round was an important opportunity to recognise the women and girls who continue to shape the game's success.
“Women in League Round is a chance to celebrate the women and girls who contribute to rugby league every day, whether they are pulling on a jersey, blowing a whistle, coaching a team, serving on a committee or volunteering their time at their local club,” Ottaway said.
“The growth of the female game in Queensland has been extraordinary and these participation figures reflect the dedication of our clubs, leagues, volunteers and families who have helped create more opportunities for women and girls than ever before.
“We're seeing record numbers of young girls entering the game and our elite pathways are continuing to produce players capable of succeeding on the national stage.
“The debut of players like Enah Desic highlights the strength of the pathway system in Queensland and will no doubt inspire the next generation of girls to dream big and pursue their own rugby league journey."
