Players in the Australian women’s rugby league team will be paid $30,000 each to compete in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
The amount is a significant increase from what players received in 2017 when they took home just $3000 each.
The pay rise was secured after negotiations between the Australian Rugby League Commission and the Rugby League Players Association.
Players in the Australian men’s side will receive $40,000, which is only higher due to the longer nature of the men’s competition.
The $30,000 pay for women is a significant move that will go some way to supporting female players, who often work part-time or full-time jobs on top of their rugby league careers. Some players need to take leave without pay to compete in the tournament.
The pay rise in the world cup comes after NRLW players received a 28 per cent pay increase for the 2022 season. Payments for State of Origin also increased from $4000 to $6000 and All Stars payments increased from $1,600 to $3000.
The announcement of the World Cup payment comes about one week before the Jillaroos are scheduled to fly overseas for the tournament. Previously, there had been uncertainty among players about how much they would receive to take part in the competition.
The Jillaroos are the current world champions and have won the previous two World Cups in 2013 and 2017.
Kezi Apps, Sammy Bremmer and Ali Brigginshaw have been named co-captains of the 22-strong squad heading into the World Cup in England. This World Cup will mark the first international Test Match the Jillaroos have played since before the COVID-19 pandemic.