Queensland and Broncos captain Ali Brigginshaw is perhaps as well placed as anyone in the game to appreciate how far women’s rugby league has come.
Coming off the back of Origin glory, in front of record crowds and television ratings, Brigginshaw is optimistic and excited about the future of the game.
“Everyone should be really proud of where we are at, and excited where we are headed,” she said at the NRLW launch on Sydney Harbour on Tuesday.
“We used to talk about playing in front of 10,000 people at North Sydney, now we’ve had 20,000 every time we run out. One day we’ll be talking about the day we have 40,000.
“Seeing the television ratings too, it’s kind of surreal to be honest.”
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Brigginshaw believes the professionalism among NRLW athletes, many of whom still balance careers outside the game, continues to improve and propel the competition to new heights.
“We all say the pre seasons get harder every year. Everyone is fitter than ever. I think the coaching staff know each year to push us further.
“It’s on us as players too, even as semi professional athletes, when it comes to preparing ourself, it’s an all year round effort to be the best athlete we can be.”
Having tasted NRLW Premiership glory herself, Brigginshaw says the pain of missing out on Grand Final day last season is a driving force for the Broncos this year,
“The disappointment of the last few years is motivating for us. There is nothing worse than sitting at home on Grand Final day. Everyone wants to be a part of that day. There is no striving for top four, it’s simply be there on Grand Final day. And I’m excited to see what we can do this year.”
Fellow QLD star and Roosters five-eighth Tarryn Aiken, was also eager to build from the historic three game women’s Origin series.
“It was a crazy, unreal experience to be a part of. The full stadiums and a roller-coaster series, but so good to get the win in the first ever decider.”
Aiken will lineup for the star-studded Roosters NRLW team, against last year’s Premiers Newcastle, in a highly anticipated NRLW season opener on Thursday night;
“There’s always high expectations at the Roosters. We always demand success as a club. Coming up against the defending Premiers is such an exciting way to start the season.”
Adding to the stakes this NRLW season, are the spots up for grabs in the first ever Women’s Rugby League international game to take place in Las Vegas early next year, where the Australian Jillaroos will take on England in what will be another ground-breaking moment for the game.
The NRLW season kicks off on Thursday night when the Knights take on the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium. Kick off 7.45pm live on Foxtel and Kayo.
Source Agencies
