Now in its 15th year, NRL will celebrate the Harvey Norman Women in League Round this week.
The round puts a focus on not just the role of women within rugby league but also the gender inequality gap in wider society.
At the current rate of progress, it will take 136 years to tackle the gender inequality gap. This gap has only widened through the COVID pandemic.
In round 22 the NRL is rallying our community to play a part in accelerating the path to a level playing field.
Levelling the playing field might be simply holding ourselves accountable for our own biased attitudes, challenging gender stereotypes, and calling out sexist behaviour or harassment.
This week the NRL will be shining a spotlight on the women who are instrumental in bringing the game to fans and grassroots players across Australia, to help grow interest in the game amongst female fans and players.
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Progress in rugby league
Female participation represents the fastest growing segment of the game with 15% growth over the past few years.
Through the 'Female Coach Mentoring Program', the number of female coaches has grown exponentially to 1589, with five out of six NRLW teams now with a female assistant coach, and both NSW and QLD Women's State of Origin teams coached by women.
There has been a significant growth in the number of female referees from 5% female representatives to over 14% through the 'Women in League Officiating Program', with notable alumni including Belinda Sharpe and Kasey Badger.
The NRL continues to invest in programs that address gender inequality, including Voice Against Violence, League Stars Inspire, In League in Harmony, and Respectful Relationships training across clubs, state league teams, and junior representatives.
The NRL currently has partnerships with a number of globally recognised bodies driving equality including Champions of Change, Our Watch, and UN Women.
Women In League Round matches
Match: Storm v Raiders
Round 22 -
home Team
Storm
1st Position
away Team
Raiders
9th Position
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
The premiers take on the 2019 grand finalists, with the Storm hunting another minor premiership and the Raiders racing to secure a top-eight finish.
Match: Dragons v Panthers
Round 22 -
home Team
Dragons
11th Position
away Team
Panthers
2nd Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Penrith could welcome back NSW halfback Nathan Cleary in this clash with a Dragons side vying to stay in the hunt for a place in the finals.
Match: Broncos v Roosters
Round 22 -
home Team
Broncos
15th Position
away Team
Roosters
4th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Brisbane are out of the finals race but can still cause some havoc and build momentum for 2022 against a Roosters side that has defied a string of key injuries to remain a finals force this season.
Match: Rabbitohs v Titans
Round 22 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
3rd Position
away Team
Titans
8th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Two of the most talented attacking outfits in the league go head-to-head here, with the Rabbitohs in red hot form and the Titans looking to play their way into the finals for the first time since 2016.
Match: Cowboys v Wests Tigers
Round 22 -
home Team
Cowboys
14th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
13th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
There has been little between these teams this season, with this match shaping up as potentially one of the closest of the round.
Match: Sea Eagles v Eels
Round 22 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
5th Position
away Team
Eels
6th Position
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
Once comfortably inside the NRL's top four, the Eels are reeling from three straight defeats but and face a huge challenge against a Manly outfit boasting arguably the game's best player, Tom Trbojevic.
Match: Warriors v Bulldogs
Round 22 -
home Team
Warriors
12th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
16th Position
Venue: Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
These teams already have one eye on the future but both are blessed with young guns capable of dominating the highlight reels, with Warriors fullback sensation Reece Walsh going up against promising Bulldogs playmaker Jake Averillo.
Match: Sharks v Knights
Round 22 -
home Team
Sharks
10th Position
away Team
Knights
7th Position
Venue: Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
The round wraps up with a clash that could have big implications for the finals, with Cronulla looking to break back into the top eight and Newcastle finally getting a full-strength team available.
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