Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues coach Kylie Hilder said expanding the women’s State of Origin to a two-game series was a step in the right direction.
The NRL has announced the 2023 Ampol series will be a stand-alone event on free-to-air television next year. The 2022 series remains the one game – scheduled for Friday 24 June at GIO Stadium in Canberra.
Hilder says the ever-increasing popularity of the women’s game warrants the change to the current Origin format.
“The game is at a stage now, with its quality, that we can definitely have two Origins,” Hilder told nswrl.com.au
“I’ve said publicly before that I’d like to see women’s Origin grow to three games because it’s been attracting more and more spectators and viewers each year, since the first Origin in 2018.
“Obviously the NRL’s announcement is a step closer to the three games, which in my opinion our players can easily handle.
“They’ve got a heavy schedule this year with two NRLW seasons, regular club competitions and the World Cup in October-November.
“Next year will only be one NRLW season – certainly more games with another two teams being added for eight (clubs) to participate.
“But everyone can see how fit the girls are based on how dedicated they are to their training and preparation.”
Having two games means two separate venues, bringing more eyes to the women’s game and allowing parents to bring their daughters and sons to experience an Origin atmosphere.
The Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues have already played in Melbourne, Perth, Townsville, and the Gold Coast alongside the traditional ‘home’ games in Sydney and Brisbane.
“It’d be great to get the women’s game out into more areas than the capital cities for both states,” Hilder said.
“That’s why this year’s game in Canberra is so beneficial in getting the message across that women’s Rugby League is exciting, it’s growing, and it’s accessible to all ages now.”
