The NSW women’s rugby league team will be paid under contract for the first time at this month’s Interstate Challenge against Queensland.
The 30-strong women’s squad for the July 23 clash in Wollongong will be offered an undisclosed amount for the game along with a daily allowance for camp to ease the financial pressure of taking leave from work.
The players have spent eight months in unpaid training as they prepare to defend the Nellie Doherty Cup which they won 8-4 last year, ending Queensland’s 17-year reign as challenge champions.
The Australian Jillaroos have introduced player allowances and select match fees over the past couple of years.
The NSWRL decision follows an upswing in landmark pay deals across women’s sport including the AFL Women’s league and the Australian Women’s cricket team, formerly known as the Southern Stars.
Elliana Walton, NSW’s longest-serving female league player, cried when she was told about the match payment.
“I remember when I was first selected for NSW I had to pay to play,” she said in a statement on Wednesday.
“To now receive a contract and get paid is incredible and I can’t wait for the game.”