How to grow rugby league’s WSL: tight games, better pay and use Gladiators

The new Women’s Super League season kicks off this weekend with some big-name coaches and a new format

By No Helmets Required

Wigan have won more league titles than any other team in men’s rugby league, but their dominance in the women’s game is a recent and rapid development. They swept the board last season, winning the Challenge Cup, League Leaders Shield and their first Women’s Super League title since 2018. As Wigan begin the defence of their title against Leeds Rhinos this weekend, we take a look at the main issues facing the league.

The continued development of the league is reflected in the increase of high-profile coaches leading women’s teams. Denis Betts, the former Wigan, England and Lions player who previously coached in Super League, guided Wigan to the treble last year and has led the way for others to follow. The season opener on Saturday between York Valkyrie and Huddersfield Giants brings together two former Bradford Bulls fullbacks, with Leon Pryce in charge of York and the former Scotland coach Nathan Graham now managing Huddersfield.