All You Need to Know: 2024 National Championships
The Harvey Norman Women's National Championships returns to the Gold Coast in 2024 with players from across Australia, the Pacific and beyond set to showcase their talents across four days.
While the tournament format has changed since it was first established in 2018, it is a proven breeding ground for talent, with the likes of Julia Robinson, Jada Taylor and more recently Rilee Jorgensen graduating from the competition and onto the big stage.
This year, the tournament has been brought forward from May to March to better allow NRLW clubs to scout for talent to join their squads.
Last year saw the introduction of a new structure and format with no finals played, with the focus being on development. Unlike 2023, all teams are Open Women's teams, with no dedicated Under 19 teams included in the pools.
This year, as well as the return of a New Zealand side, teams representing Fiji and Papua New Guinea have also been introduced. There will also be two North American athletes taking part following their selection at the NRL Combine held in Las Vegas.
2024 Women's National Championship | Day 1
Women's National Championships 2024
When and where does the tournament start?
The tournament kicks off on Thursday, March 21 at 9.30am and will conclude on Sunday, March 24. The final day of matches will see games start at 9am with the last games kicking off at 11am. All times are in AEST.
All matches will be played at Pizzey Park in in Miami, Queensland. (Adjacent to Burleigh Leagues Club).
Which teams will be playing in the tournament?
A total of 12 teams across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea will take part in the 2024 instalment of the Women's National Championships. The teams will be split into three pools who all play one match each day.
The inclusion of the two Pacific teams in the tournament for the first time has been made possible by the PacificAus Sports Program.
Pool A
- NSW City
- Ahi Ka Aotearoa
- Western Australia
- Northern Territory
Pool B
- Queensland Sapphires
- Fiji
- Victoria
- First Nations Gems
Pool C
- NSW Country
- Papua New Guinea
- Australian Defence Force Rugby League
- South Australia
What's the draw?
The tournament schedule will be made available via NRL.com's match centre and draw hub.
Match: NSW City Women v Ahi Ka Aotearoa
Round 1 -
home Team
NSW City Women
away Team
Ahi Ka Aotearoa
Venue: UAA Park, Gold Coast
What is the purpose of the tournament?
Aspiring NRLW players who have been selected either through state or regional competitions across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific get their chance to impress for higher honours and at different levels.
The tournament allows players who may not usually get the best pathway opportunities the chance to showcase their skill on a bigger stage and in front of notable coaches and talent scouts.
The majority of the players and staff attending the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships have all been selected after completing the RISE Rookie development program, or associated program in their area.
This program ensures players are exposed to wellbeing education and resources, performance education around strength, conditioning and recovery, while also learning the finer tactical and technical aspects of the game.
Performance and coaching staff have also been educated in their areas of expertise.
The RISE rookie program, coupled with the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships, aims to have players and staff ready to take the next step to NRLW.
Can fans attend the Women's National Championships?
Yes, you can. Entry is free to all four days at Pizzey Park.
Where can I watch the matches if I can't attend?
NRL.com will live stream every game of the Harvey Norman National Championships across all four days with links available from Day 1.
2024 Women's National Championship | Day 1
How long does each match go for?
All matches across the four days will be played in two 20-minute halves with a 10-minute break at half-time. There is a 10-minute gap between all games.
There is no time off for injury.
Where can you view the squads?
Team lists will also be live on the match centres prior to each game.
The Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships is proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast.
