The inaugural NRL Holden Women's Premiership kicks off this weekend so here is everything you need to know ahead of the history-making competition.
How many teams?
Four NRL clubs won five-year licences in March to feature in the inaugural season – the Sydney Roosters, Brisbane Broncos, NZ Warriors and St George Illawarra Dragons.
Each team consists of up to a maximum 15 marquee players, signed from both the Australian and New Zealand elite squads, while the remainder of squads are made up of local juniors, cross-code players, Talent ID athletes and free agents.
Draw and Broadcasting
The women's competition will be played during the men's final series and act as double headers with venues and times to be confirmed each Sunday afternoon.
Round 1 fixtures were decided on September 2 with the Warriors taking on the Roosters at ANZ Stadium prior to the Warriors-Panthers NRL clash, while Brisbane will host St George Illawarra at Suncorp Stadium before the men's sudden-death clash.
Each team will play each other once over three weeks before the top two sides progress to the grand final – played on September 30 at ANZ Stadium prior to the men's NRL grand final.
All games throughout the competition will be telecasted live on Channel Nine, Fox Sports and the NRL Live Pass app.
Round 1:
Warriors v Roosters – Saturday Sep 8, 3:05pm, ANZ Stadium
Broncos v Dragons – Sunday Sep 9, 1.45pm, Suncorp Stadium
Key rules and information
NRL Senior Manager of Women's Elite Programs, Tiffany Slater said most rules and regulations were the same as those in the men's game.
"As the women's premiership tagline suggests – 'Same Game. Our Way' – there are a few differences that have been backed by our players and designed to deliver creativity, unpredictability and importantly, player wellbeing," Ms Slater said.
The women's competition will consistent of:
• Two on-field referees and the NRL Bunker in play
• Judiciary procedures
• Shot clocks
• Injury Surveillance - management of head injuries or concussion
• Team List timing announcements
• 60 minutes of regular time (two 30 minutes halves)
• A total of 10 interchanges in regular time (two additional in golden point)
• 40/30 kick advantage: providing for tactical kicking and unpredictability during matches
Golden Point will apply in the regular rounds, with a maximum of five minutes each way and the first team to score at least one point will win. A draw will be awarded if neither team scores a point in this period.
For the grand final, ten minutes of extra time (five minutes each way) will be played regardless of how many points are scored during this period, with the scoreline at the end of 70 minutes determining the winner.
If, after 70 minutes, the game remains a draw, unlimited golden point will be played, with no change of ends or time limit, until a point is scored to determine the winner.
Final squads
Sydney Roosters
Karina Brown, Chloe Caldwell, Nakia Davis-Welsh, Quincy Dodd, Vanessa Foliaki, Tazmin Gray, Kylie Hilder, Isabelle Kelly, Kandy Kennedy, Victoria Latu, Nita Maynard, Sharon McGrady, Corban McGregor*, Lavina O'Mealey, Brydie Parker, Taleena Simon, Ruan Sims, Shontelle Stowers, Maddie Studdon, Zahara Temara, Simaima Taufa (c), Sarah Togatuki, Elianna Walton.
New Zealand Warriors
Raquel Anderson-Pitman, Sarina Clark, Lisa Edwards, Luisa Gago, Georgia Hale, Amber Kani, Onjeurlina Leiataua, Hilda Mariu, Laura Mariu (c), Va'anessa Molia-Fraser, Apii Nicholls, Tanika-Jazz Noble-Bell, Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala, Lorina Papali'i, Kahurangi Peters, Krystal Rota, Aieshaleigh Smalley, Masuisuimatamaalii (Sui) Tauasa-Pauaraisa, Crystal Tamarua, Alice Vailea, Langi Veainu, Shontelle Woodman.
St George Illawarra Dragons
Kezie Apps, Talia Atfield, Annette Brander, Sam Bremner (c), Georgina Brooker, Teina Clark, Keeley Davis, Kate Haren, Honey Hireme, Rikeya Horne, Melanie Howard, Asoiva Karpani, Asipau Mafi, Raecene McGregor, Talesha Quinn, Oneata Schwalger, Anneka Stephens, Jessica Sergis, Hannah Southwell, Josie Strong, Shakiah Tungai, Holli Wheeler.
Brisbane Broncos
Ngatokotoru Arakua, Chelsea Baker, Heather Ballinger, Brittany Breayley, Ali Brigginshaw, Maitua Feterika, Jayme Fressard*, Teuila Fotu-Moala, Lavinia Gould, Stephanie Hancock, Tallisha Harden, Kody House, Amelia Kuk, Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Lilieta Manumau, Taylor Mapusua, Kimiora Nati, Rona Peters, Amber Pilley, Mariah Storch, Karley Te Kawa, Julia Thompson, Meg Ward.
*Denotes injured player
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