The ACT will become the first state or territory to sponsor a women’s rugby league (NRLW) team.
As part of its $13 million commitment to the Canberra Raiders over the next five years, the ACT government will help the “Green Machine” bid for an NRLW team for the Women’s State of Origin, which the ACT will host at GIO stadium this year.
“Canberra has a deep commitment to women’s sport,” said Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation. “I’m sure there will be a lot of support for a NRLW team in Canberra. Not only will it provide inspiration to our community, but it will give local players the option to stay in Canberra and continue their sporting career here.”
Ms Berry said the sponsorship showed the government’s commitment to women’s sport at both the professional and grassroots levels.
“We have the highest participation rates of sport in the ACT, and young women and girls really want to participate… Having NRLW and women’s sport at that elite level in the ACT means that young women and girls can see what they could be one day.
“If you don’t have that elite pathway, it makes it really difficult for women to continue to play the sport that they love, or have some kind of aspiration to play at an elite sport level.”
The NRLW Raiders team is still pending licence provision from the NRL.
The commitment to support a future NRLW team in Canberra is part of an extended partnership agreement between the ACT Government and the Canberra Raiders, supporting the club until 2026.
The ACT Government has invested more than $30 million in the Raiders since 2004, Ms Berry said; this includes support for the Centre of Excellence and Community Hub in Braddon, which helped to ensure the Raiders’ long-term viability.
“Canberrans love having world-class sport at their doorsteps, and by supporting the Raiders, we are providing a boost to our event economy that generates flow-on benefits for local businesses and the accommodation and hospitality sector in our region.
“Today’s announcement also recognises the role the Canberra Raiders play – not just on the field, but in our community. Their connection to Canberra is evident in their volunteering work and regular visits to schools and hospitals.
“I look forward to seeing the Raiders kick off their season against the Sharks at GIO Stadium this weekend as part of a bumper Canberra Day long weekend.”
