The National Rugby League has today confirmed the 20 Australian women to be awarded Marquee contracts for the 2020 season.
Marquee Contracts have been awarded based on performance and commitment over the last 12 months as part of the Women's Elite Programs.
The players selected will receive access to the National Women's Elite Coaching and Performance Staff, including tailored training programs, wellbeing and education support, as well as media and leadership training.
2020 NRL Women's Central Contract List:
Kezie Apps
Millie Boyle
Annette Brander
Brittany Breayley
Sam Bremner
Ali Brigginshaw
Keeley Davis
Kirra Dibb
Tallisha Harden
Isabelle Kelly
Chelsea Lenarduzzi
Corban McGregor
Tiana Penitani
Julia Robinson
Jessica Sergis
Hannah Southwell
Simaima Taufa
Shakiah Tungai
Botille Vette-Welsh
Holli Wheeler
Commenting on the 2020 NRL Women's Marquee Contract List NRL General Manager of Elite Women's Program Tiffany Slater said:
"It has been wonderful to see the development of our elite female players over the last twelve months, both on and off the field.
As the women's elite game continues to grow at all levels, the NRL remains committed to providing leading, well-resourced opportunities for those players at the pinnacle of the female pathway. This group should be incredibly proud and excited to be included on this list leading into a World Cup year in 2021."
NRL General Manager Player Pathways and Jillaroos Head Coach Brad Donald said:
"It's fantastic to have Sammy Bremner back ready and raring to go again, while the likes of Millie Boyle, Botille Vette-Welsh, Shakiah Tungai and Kirra Dibb have come on to the scene and continue to impress."
Marquee players will attend a number of elite-player camps held throughout 2020 with the first to be held in early March in Queensland. We will have non-contracted players also in attendance who have the opportunity to join this initial list throughout the year."
The announcement comes as the more than 100 staff involved in women's rugby league throughout Australia converge on the Gold Coast for the NRL's inaugural National Women's Coaching and Performance Conference.
Over three-days, the very best coaches, trainers and researchers involved in the game from across the country will be presented to by leaders in the fields of high-performance, coaching, medicine, data-analytics and research.
The NRL has increased its focus in 2020 on ensuring the pathway for female players remains supported by industry leading professionals.
