Brigginshaw calls for dedicated NRLW chief executive before retirement
Retiring Brisbane player Ali Brigginshaw has urged the NRL to appoint a separate chief executive for the women’s competition. She said the NRLW should be able to develop in a way that reflects players’ needs, while the league currently sits under the NRL chief executive.
Rugby league veteran Ali Brigginshaw has called on the NRL to appoint a dedicated chief executive for the women’s competition before she retires after this year’s grand final. Speaking at a pre-grand-final press conference, the Brisbane player said the NRLW still had room to grow and should not simply mirror the men’s game. She suggested that someone with experience of the women’s competition should lead its development.
Brigginshaw said the women’s game could take a different direction and make decisions based on what was best for NRLW players and staff. The competition is currently managed by the NRL chief executive, while the AFLW has separate leadership. Her comments came as Brisbane prepares to face the Sydney Roosters in the grand final.
Brigginshaw is seeking a second consecutive premiership before ending her playing career. Brisbane coach Scott Prince said Brigginshaw should be remembered in the sport and backed the idea of naming an award after her. Roosters captain Isabelle Kelly also praised Brigginshaw’s leadership and described her as a pioneer of the women’s game.
Kelly paid tribute to retiring Roosters teammates Millie Elliott and Corban Baxter. Elliott is a former Dally M medallist, while Brigginshaw won the 2020 Dally M medal and has captained her state and country. The Roosters were also waiting on winger Jayme Fressard’s availability.
Fressard injured her shoulder in the previous week’s victory over Canberra, and coach John Strange rated her chances of playing at 50-50 pending further fitness tests.
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