In a breakthrough announcement, the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) has delivered on its commitment it made last year to ensure equal renumeration for all players representing the Queensland Maroons.

The QRL statement outlined female players who take part in training camps and are selected to play for the State of Origin series will earn $15,000 – the same amount as players on the men’s team.

The Queensland Maroons women’s side captain, Ali Brigginshaw, welcomed the announcement.

“It takes the pressure off when you go to represent your state, the pressure of being away from your families and your jobs,” Brigginshaw said.

“You’ve got a job to do with the Maroons and you go and do it, knowing that you’re fully supported by the QRL, and I think it’s a big step from the QRL to make sure we’re aligned with the men’s team for the first time,” she said.

The QRL said it expects a revised squad of 30 players for the women’s squad to be selected in March next year for a series of camps taking place prior to the 2022 Origin.

These players will receive a payment of $4,000 to compensate for time off work required to train, travel and recover.

19 players will then be selected to partake in the final camp leading into the first Origin game on 24 June, 2022, where a further $7,000 payment will be provided.

Of the 19 players, 18 players will be selected to play New South Wales and receive a further $4,000, a figure aligned to the current amount funded by the NRL and in alignment with New South Wales Rugby League.

QRL chief executive, Rohan Sawyer, described the confirmation of the equal Origin remuneration as a “milestone movement”.

“This is about creating certainty and stability for aspiring Maroons to have the opportunity to come through a genuine career pathway within the female game,” Sawyer said.

“We have identified the commitment the players make to the Maroons by being part of the top squad through to June, and over this time we want to adequately remunerate them for their commitment.

“We’re really proud of the fact that we’ve made the decision to invest now.

I’ve got no doubt that there are many people and organisations within the game and other sectors who have the intentions to continue to invest in women’s rugby league, but we are intent on making decisions that accelerate this,” he said.