Seven clubs will contest the inaugural Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (NEWRL) Oporto Women’s Premiership in 2024.
Competition regulars Central Newcastle, Lakes United, Maitland, South Newcastle, Western Suburbs and Wyong are set to be joined by newcomers Raymond Terrace when the format kicks off on 4 May.
They’ll then battle it out over 16 rounds to determine the play-off combatants.
In the season opener, Raymond Terrace is drawn to meet Wyong at the Lakeside Sporting Complex and Wests clash with Central while Maitland, Souths and Lakes enjoy a bye.
Following that, three matches are scheduled every weekend.
“It’s incredibly exciting to have the Oporto Women’s Premiership as part of our game days,” Newcastle Rugby League general manager Adam Devcich said.
“It is a real step forward for our clubs to have elite female players taking the field on the same day as the rest of their teams.
“At the conclusion of the regular season, there’ll be a four-week finals series, culminating in the first-ever Oporto Women’s Premiership grand final at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday 22 September.
“That fixture will take place on the same day as the NEWRL under-19, reserve grade and Denton Engineering Cup deciders.”
After the success of Magic Round at the weekend, Devcich admitted it was a thrilling time for Newcastle Rugby League.
“The women will be part of NEWRL match days, with the exception of Raymond Terrace home games,” he said.
“They’ll be played at the Lakeside Sporting Complex.
“The support of Oporto and Bar TV for the women’s matches will also allow all competition games to be filmed.
“That means coaching staff can have access to post-game technology… to cut vision from their showdowns.
“Up until now, that has not been an option in women’s competitions.”
NEWRL will stage Anzac Day fixtures in the Denton Engineering Cup, too.
“We’re hosting three matches on Thursday 25 April for the first time,” Devcich said.
“They’ll be played at Cessnock, Central Newcastle and Souths.”
NEWRL Oporto Women’s Premiership
Round one draw (Saturday 4 May)
- Raymond Terrace v Wyong (Lakeside Sporting Complex)
- Western Suburbs v Central Newcastle (Harker Oval)
- Bye: Maitland, South Newcastle, Lakes United
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