THE North Queensland Cowboys are keen to explore the possibility of fielding a team in the NRL’s women’s premiership, with the fledgling competition to be launched in 2018.

It has been reported the Cowboys have discussed eventually setting up a women’s team, and 14 of the 16 NRL clubs have shown initial interest after being briefed at a CEO’s meeting this week.

The NRL announced yesterday “up to six” teams aligned with NRL clubs will compete in the first season, with matches to be played as double headers with NRL finals, and the title decider to be played on NRL grand final day.

State league competitions will also be introduced as a stepping stone from grassroots to the NRL.

Queensland Rugby League operations manager for Townsville, Kerri Ritchie, confirmed the region will introduce a female junior competition next year, with under-13s, 15s and 17s to be introduced.

Townsville ran a five-team women’s league in 2011 and 2012, but they will ensure there’s enough player numbers before it returns.

“We’re looking at getting the juniors together and then working our way up, hopefully we can build up from there to a women’s competition,” Ritchie said,

“There’s always been pathways for the women, it was just a harder way of getting there.

“It will encourage more girls to play, especially with the Jillaroos on TV and it’s gathered a lot more interest (as a result).”

An initial 40 players will receive Jillaroos contracts and a national championships carnival and talent combine will be held, providing another pathway to the elite level.

“For the first time, there will be a dedicated pathway for our women to follow — from grassroots junior league, to state competitions, and on to premiership matches and representative Origin and Test match opportunities,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.

“We’ve got to be very careful and prudent about how we put these systems in place because rugby league is a tough sport and we want to make sure we have all the care around our players and the physical training that’s needed, the technique that’s needed.”

An announcement on NRL clubs aligned with the 2018 women’s premiership teams will be made in the new year.

Like the AFLW competition, it will be expanded once the talent pool grows.

“We are not going to rush in with a larger competition until we have the numbers to give it the quality it deserves,” Greenberg said.

“But I have no doubt that, as more women take up the game, the competition will grow.”