How is it financed? Sure the successful clubs pay their way but, is there a NRLW salary cap etc etc. Panthers women have a wonderful pink strip… 
The NRLW salary cap of $350,000 with the addition of two marquee players that can be offered fulltime jobs outside the cap, contracts for leading players in the 2022 NRLW are expected to be worth about $35,000, plus representative payments.
As far as how the NRLW is funded, the end goal is to have a product that can be marketed to broadcasters and advertisers. The NRLW was written into the last NRL broadcast deal with Nine and Fox Sports. The idea I believe is to see how the product tracks on television and bet on good numbers to ask for money in the next TV deal, of which will also bring on more advertisers.
This has turned out to be a good bet as numbers have shown to increase over time.
NRLW Average viewership per match
| Network | Type | 2020 | 2021* | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nine Network | FTA | 98,000 | 150,000 | +70,000 (+53%) |
| Fox Sports | PAY | 35,000 | 60,000 | +25,000 (+71%) |
| Total | 133,00 | 210,000 | +95,000 (+58%) |
* NRLW Season 2021 player in early 2022
Source
More teams into the competition will result in a better product that the NRL can package to generate revenue, so in essence the NRLW should be able to “pay it’s way”.
From many I know who either are already watching the games, or only just starting to watch it this last season, they are happy with the product. It’s entertaining, and while not exactly the same as it’s NRL counterpart in intensity, it is an exciting expansive gameplay does draw TV audiences.
It is certainly not going to be a flash in a pan.
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Panthers launches historic Women’s Competition
Panthers Media | 30 November 2022
Penrith Panthers and Panthers Juniors are proud to announce the launch of the Panthers Rugby League Women’s (PRLW) competition ahead of the 2023 season.
The historic new under-20s competition will provide local female players (aged 18, 19 and 20 in 2023) the opportunity to participate in a competitive program before progressing to open-aged and professional competitions.
Aligned with the club’s built-from-within philosophy, Panthers will develop local talent to provide female players with a pathway into the club’s proposed inclusion in the NRLW competition.
The first-of-its-kind competition, coordinated by Panthers Pathways in conjunction with Panthers Juniors, will run parallel to the junior rugby league competition – from April to August.
The PRLW will comprise of 15 rounds and finals, with matches to be played on weekends in the Penrith district.
Prior to the commencement of the season, all players will train for an eight-week block. At the conclusion of the training period, teams will be formed to create an equal and competitive competition.
Players will compete in a Panthers-inspired jersey, with each team playing in a different colour variation.
All players will receive Panthers training and playing apparel, and have the opportunity to be involved in the Panthers Pathways system – which includes training, wellbeing and education.
“The launch of the Panthers Rugby League Women’s competition is an exciting step for the female pathways program at the club,” Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said.
“This new historic competition demonstrates the belief in where the club is headed within the women’s game.
“With a build-from-within model, Panthers will develop local talent to make the club well prepared and competitive for the future inclusion in the NRLW competition.”
Registrations open on 1 December 2022. Participants will need to complete the PRLW Player Information Cognito Form, as well as register through player’s junior league club.
SOURCE
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I do hope that the NRL grant the Panthers a NRLW licence soon. The PRLW Competiton has done well. 80 participants took park in the inaugral season, and the PANTHERS PINK side just narrowly missed out on the Grand Final in the Metro Combined Open Age Womens Silver competition this year.
I’m sure some of these Women will be on the radar of a few NRLW franchise and luring them away from our club, to add to the list of talented women that come from our junior development system.
I’m not sure on the timeline for NRLW expension, but I would suggest the Panthers put some pressure on Peter V’landys to get it done.
| Player | Position | Junior Club | NRLW Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aliyah Nasio | Lock | St Marys Saints | Sydney Roosters |
| Cassey Tohi-Hiku | Winger | St Clair Comets | Parramatta Eels |
| Christian Pio | Second Row | St Clair Coments | Wests Tigers |
| Jasmine Fogavini | Second Row | Blacktown Workers | Brisbane Broncos |
| Petesa Lio | Centre | Minchinbury Jets | Canberra Raiders |
| Sarah Togatuki | Prop | Glenmore Park Brumbies | Wests Tigers |
| Shaylee Bent | Second Row | Glenmore Park Brumbies | Gold Coast Titans |
| Taliah Fuimaono | Five-Eighth | St Clair Comets | Gold Coast Titans |
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