Women’s National Championships Head to Moreton Bay Region

Published 11 May 2021

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The Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships makes a welcome return to the Rugby League calendar when it kicks off next week in the Moreton Bay Region.

Around 300 of Australia’s future female stars will stake their claim for NRLW selection as well as a place in the Under-19 State of Origin sides.

Moreton Daily Stadium will host the free Championships between Thursday, May 20 and Sunday, May 23 2021.

Moreton Bay Regional Council has worked with the National Rugby League (NRL) to bring together 14 teams from around the country together, with Mayor Peter Flannery looking forward to welcoming athletes, officials and spectators from to the region.

“Home to the mighty Dolphins, more than 5,500 local players and 14 junior clubs, Moreton Bay Region is one of Australia’s great rugby league heartlands and the perfect place to host the Championships,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Locals can cheer on their Origin heroes while local businesses will benefit from more than $700,000 expected to flow into the local economy.

“We hope to attract more major events to the region in the future, and hopefully one day soon see the Moreton Bay Dolphins playing in front of a home crowd as the 17th team in the NRL.”

NRL General Manager – Player Pathways and Jillaroos Coach Brad Donald said the Championships was an extremely important development opportunity for the women’s game.

“This tournament will be a significant step in our national female pathways strategy, and an opportunity for all participants to gain further selection and acknowledgement along our pathways,” Mr Donald said.

Jillaroos, Maroons and Brisbane Broncos player Julia Robinson, said she understood the importance of the event to uncover the game’s emerging talent having played her first Rugby League match for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) team at the 2018 National Championships.

“This gave me an opportunity to get signed by the Brisbane Broncos, where I went onto play in the first year of the NRLW,” Robinson said.

“Without this event, I may never have had the opportunity to be seen and go on to play for my state and country.

“I am always excited to see new talent on show.”

This year’s tournament will include 14 teams from around Australia, including Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Defence Force. For the first time in the history of the event an Indigenous Invitational side will take part – the First Nations Gems.

For more information, visit https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/05/11/new-look-national-championships-turn-spotlight-on-to-rising-talent/