The Warriors executive chairman Jim Doyle confirms the Warriors have been named as one of four new NRL women's premiership teams to start in the new competition format later this season.
New Zealand Kiwi Ferns at the women's rugby league world cup Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
The Warriors as well as the Brisbane Broncos, St George Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters so far make up the trailblazing competition which will run over a four-week period alongside the 2018 NRL finals.
"With the success the Kiwi Ferns have had, it's logical to have one of the teams in New Zealand while it's also tremendous for our brand to be able to embrace the community in the fullest sense," said Doyle.
"The board sees this as a huge opportunity to take the club and the game to new levels here by offering more pathways than ever for players in New Zealand. Not only that, this opens the door for new supporters and commercial opportunities."
The Warriors CEO Cameron George said taking up one of the four licences for the inaugural NRL women's premiership was vital from a strategic viewpoint.
It means the Warriors will now have four teams under their umbrella in the NRL, the Intrust Super Premiership, the Jersey Flegg Cup under-20 competition and now the NRL women's premiership.
"We put a lot of work into our bid once the women's competition was announced and we couldn't be more delighted to be taking up one of the spots," said George.
George said while the women's team was a Warriors entity, the local game would be involved and while players from overseas have a strong contingnent of female rugby league athletes, the players who sign the two year deal with the New Zealand franchise will ideally be locally-based.
"We've had some discussions with the New Zealand Rugby League and the Auckland Rugby League about the new competition and working together," he said.
"The next steps will include assembling a squad and coaching staff, looking at sponsorship, a name for the team and much more."
"While there is much to be done, this is exciting for women's rugby league across the board and especially in New Zealand."
- RNZ
