Kelvin Wright appointed coach of NRLW Broncos

Former New Zealand Kiwi Ferns coach Kelvin Wright has been appointed coach of the premiership-winning Brisbane Broncos ahead of their title defence in 2019.

Wright will replace former coach Paul Dyer, who stood down earlier in the year to focus on his full-time role as the club's game development manager.

Wright has an extensive coaching history in New Zealand as coach of the Ferns, Junior Kiwis and an assistant to the Warriors and Kiwis.

The Broncos were a dominant force during the inaugural four-week competition, winning the NRLW grand final 34-12 at ANZ Stadium on September 30.

"The Broncos were very successful last year, so I don't need to come in and reinvent things but I've got my own style of coaching so there will be a point of difference," Wright said.

But as NRL.com reported in April, the Broncos may be forced to shed some big-name players ahead of the new season with a points salary cap set to be introduced.

It's understood only the Broncos would have exceeded the point-scoring system if it was put in place last year.

"The players that have been there and proved themselves – we'll try to get that nucleus back but there'll be a few new additions who have put their hands up," Wright said.

Wright and Broncos recruitment staff will get first look at a host of current and potential players for the second season at the Harvey Norman Women's National Championships at Pizzey Park in Burleigh at the end of the month.

The championships will act as a major selection trial for the women's State of Origin on June 21 and NRLW competition kicking off during the men's NRL Finals series in September.

Broncos skipper Ali Brigginshaw will turn out for Queensland's SEQ side, along with teammates Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Rona Peters, Tallisha Harden and Amber Pilley.

Roosters trio Zahara Temara, Karina Brown and Tazmin Gray have also been included, while Queensland's Country side is set to be announced next week.