The NRLW will continue its rapid growth and expansion in 2025 when two more clubs are added to the league to make it a 12-team competition. 

Canterbury and the New Zealand Warriors will be the latest additions after the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) rubber-stamped their inclusions earlier this year. 

Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) CEO Clint Newton has stated that expansion should now be put on hold for the foreseeable future to allow the game to grow organically. 

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Why further NRLW expansion should be avoided

“Right now, we don’t believing expanding the competition is the way to go,” Newton said while appearing on SEN Afternoons. 

“What we need to do is focus on the talent that we’ve got at the moment.” 

The RLPA boss noted how expanding squad sizes was actually the better avenue for success in the long run. 

“The 24 contracted players and six on the development list is not enough,” Newton reasoned. 

“By the end of the season, the competitive balance and tension in the teams just aren’t there.” 

Upon the announcement of the inclusion of the Bulldogs and Warriors into the comp, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo highlighted how the code’s continued growth was one of his principle priorities.  

The NRL boss highlighted how the setting up of elite infrastructures and pathways within geographically strategic locations was a key to the game’s success. 

Newton urged the game to now turn its expansion efforts inwards and focus on the existing clubs, while trying to build a stronger league. 

“We’d rather go expanded squads to give more women jobs and opportunities to pursue a career,” he said.

“And then it’s about expanding the competition length.” 

Will the NRLW season schedule change in 2025?

The additional fixture next season will create unique headaches when it comes to scheduling matches. 

Yet despite some calls for the NRLW to mirror the AFLW in its move to break away from the men’s game and have their own standalone season, the RLPA chief declared the players were content with the current set-up. 

“The players are happy with where the competition sits right now,” Newton said.

“They enjoy having the ability to play double-headers with the men and enjoy playing at grounds where the fans are already there.

“Our priority is giving the women centre stage to play and giving them the profile to help grow revenue.”