The National Rugby League (NRL) has announced the schedule for the 2023 NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership, promising the biggest season ever with nine rounds, double headers, and primetime matches for the first time. The season will kick off on Saturday, July 22, and feature four new teams: Canberra Raiders, Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, and Wests Tigers.

The majority of the matches will be broadcast during the family-friendly timeslot of Saturday afternoon, with only three games starting in primetime. Round one will include a new Queensland derby between the Titans and the Cowboys at Cbus Super Stadium, followed by the reigning premiers Newcastle taking on St George Illawarra at McDonald Jones Stadium. The season will also feature nine standalone double headers in all club markets, as well as 18 club double headers (NRLW matches before NRL fixtures).

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and Chairman Peter V’landys

The final two rounds will include primetime Thursday night matches for the first time ever, with the Sharks and the Dragons facing off in Round 8 and Wests Tigers against Newcastle in Round 9. The NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership Grand Final is set to take place on Sunday, October 1, before the men’s decider.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said, “In 2023, there will be new rivalries and new timeslots with every match being broadcast on free-to-air TV nationally with primetime coverage for the first time ever.” The season’s expansion promises greater career opportunities for aspiring professional female athletes and a deeper connection to communities across Australia.

All matches of the season will be available for fans to watch on the Nine Network, Fox Sports, and Kayo Sports.

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