Women’s rugby league is charging downfield in Australia, attracting packed stands and igniting excitement across the nation.
Leagues like the NRLW and state-based competitions are witnessing a surge in attendance, proving the doubters wrong and demonstrating the sport’s undeniable appeal.
Hay Magpies will enter the arena in 2024, signing on to Group 20’s women’s tackle competition.
Group 20 confirmed on Sunday that the women’s tackle competition will run the full season, not the a condensed six-week season, as originally suggested. The Group agreed to the full-season format, as long as teams agree to play on the day.
Several Hay players have tasted the full-contact action, playing in the ProTen competition last season, but when the season kicks off in April it will be Hay’s inaugural year for women’s rugby league.
Local Magpies legend Neil John Nisbet has paired with league tag coach Jessie Carter to get the squad ready for round one, when they will meet Tullibigeal Lakes United Sharks.
“All the players are stoked to finally see tackle on the agenda,” Carter told The Riverine Grazier.
“A majority of us will play both league tag and the tackle game, and I am confident our fitness will get us through two games each week.”
Carter shone the spotlight on one of the fittest Magpies in any grade, Zoe McRae.
“Zoe is set for a blinder this season, and is looking to be named our hooker. We all know she is an absolute workhorse when it comes to defence.
“NJ and I are very happy to have Hannah Stewart back and with her safe hands she will likely start at fullback.
The team sports some young players in Karly Fisher, Sophie Curtis and Larissa Sorensen but Carter says she expects big things.
“It will be their first hit-out in rugby league, but I expect them to be fine, and to also continue to rise through the league tag ranks as well.”
Veterans of the league tag team Lily Weymouth and Di Plum both played the ProTen grand final last year, so will be able to impart a great deal of game day experience to the Magpies side.
“They are seasoned veterans,” Carter said.
“We are also still recruiting and have welcomed Ashley Stercrow and Zali Turner into the side.”
Imaah Ga Navoto has also joined the Hay side and is training well, and Carter expects her to pack into the forwards on game day.
She hails from Fiji where she played league and comes to Hay fresh from playing rugby union at West Wyalong.
“I’m confident we will be strong in the league tag and rugby league comps, and our goal is to make the finals in both,” she said. Hay Magpies plan to field four teams this year – first and reserve grades in the men’s competition, with women playing both league tag and rugby league.
This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 21 February 2024.
