Expansion must be avoided for years or the NRL Women’s Premiership’s integrity will suffer, Brisbane coach Paul Dyer has warned.
Dyer hailed the inaugural four-team NRLW season a success ahead of the undefeated Broncos’ Friday night clash with the Warriors where they can seal a grand final berth with victory.
Dyer said the NRLW would have inspired more women to play next season but believed it would take years to build depth to justify extra teams.
With the likes of Cronulla and South Sydney champing at the bit, the NRL manager of women’s elite programs Tiffany Slater said the competition would be assessed “year to year”.
But Dyer warned the NRLW would suffer if expansion was fast tracked due to the 2018 success.
“I am sure there are a lot of girls sitting back there watching this competition at the moment,” Dyer said.
“But I am one of those people who says we shouldn’t be rushing into this and increasing the teams.
“You don’t want to find yourself in two years’ time in a competition where you have 60-4 results – the integrity of the competition falls out the window.
“I just hate to think because of all the hype, we are in a position where everyone jumps through hoops and adds another two or three teams because it will end up in that position.”
Dyer said the NRL would have to make it financially viable for women to play the game and start nurturing grass roots talent to boost depth for expansion to be a success.
“NRL clubs have never developed young talent with women, that needs to start,” he said.
“A couple of years of that and you are in a position to expand the competition.”
Dyer also baulked at expanding the current three game regular season.
“The girls want to play more but are we in a position financially to fund their salaries to give them more time away from work?” he said.
“Employment is an issue. A lot of girls have moved from where they live for the competition.”
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Look , I think in terms of quality four teams is probably right . I have been impressed by what’s been shown so far . If you dilute the quality it will not be a good look. It’s baby steps with a comp like this. I would stay at four teams for a couple of years but increase the number of games to six plus a final or two rounds if you like to put it that way. I think more games is more important than more teams and as more female players come through increased the number of teams.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Six teams is the ideal number next year. Leave it at that for 2-3 seasons and see how we go.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
I agree that there may not be enough elite talent to sustain expansion in the short-term however, I would argue that a six-team should be considered in either 2020 or 2021. This season has felt way too short though and it is important that the NRL expand to a 6-week competition next year. Kick-off the competition parallel to the men's Round 23. I have loved every moment of the 2018 season so far however, the way it is staged to be a double-header with the men's is flawed. The Warriors got no home games this year, to me it feels like more of a series of exhibition matches. Maybe create a separate draw next year and actually play games in Brisbane and Auckland, even if it is at Langlands Park or equivalent.
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
Broncos anti expansion? Lol
RandyM
Guest
I see what he's saying but i think 4 teams doesn't create enough interest, it's too small. I would expand to 6 for 2019 and then 8 in 2020.
At work
Roar Rookie
Agree you need to maintain a healthy competition, but also a 4 team competition is hardly considered a league. Need to get to at least 6-8 asap.