The NSW Women’s Premiership is set for another exciting season with premiers Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks launching their title defence when the competition kicks off tomorrow (Saturday 13 June).
The Sharks enter their 2026 campaign as champions after securing a historic 18-12 victory over the Newcastle Knights in last year’s Grand Final to secure the club’s first premiership in the state’s premier Rugby League competition for women.
They will take on the Rabbitohs on their home turf, Ocean Protect Stadium, to kick off an 11-round regular season featuring 12 clubs from across NSW.
The competition returns amid another period growth for Rugby League in NSW, with female participation continuing to surge. NSWRL recently announced a fourth consecutive year of record participation numbers, with female registrations increasing by 8.83 per cent.
The NSW Women’s Premiership remains a critical pathway for aspiring elite players, with 11 of the competition’s 12 clubs aligned to NRLW clubs.
The feeder clubs and their NRLW clubs (in brackets) are Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (Bulldogs), Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (Sharks), St George Dragons and Illawarra Steelers (St George Illawarra Dragons), Parramatta Eels and Wentworthville Magpies (Eels), Newcastle Knights (Knights), Central Coast Roosters (Sydney Roosters), Mounties (Canberra Raiders), South Sydney Rabbitohs (Warriors) and Wests Tigers (Tigers).
The 2026 season will also usher in a new finals format, with the top five teams progressing to the finals.
Previously a top four finals series, the expanded structure reflects the continued growth and increasing strength of the competition.
“The NSW Women’s Premiership is the elite competition for female Rugby League players in NSW,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.
“The growth of the women’s games continues to be one of the greatest success stories in Rugby League, and our Women’s Premiership remains an important pathway.
“With female participation numbers now making up 28 per cent of NSWRL total registrations and continuing to grow at record levels, we are excited to see the pool of talent from our Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup (Under 17s Girls) and Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup (Under 19s Women) continue their Rugby League journey into our premier women’s competition this season.
“I wish all teams the best of luck for the 2026 season as they chase premiership glory.”
The season will conclude on NSWRL Grand Final Day, with the NSW Women’s Premiership decider to be played alongside The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup Grand Finals.
Click here for the NSW Women’s Premiership Draw.
