Hilder to coach NSW women in 2021

NSW have reacted to their first women's series loss under the State of Origin banner by appointing Kylie Hilder as head coach for their 2021 campaign.

The NSWRL confirmed the change on Tuesday afternoon with Hilder becoming the first female coach of the state since Karen Stuart in 2011.

The change comes just a week after the QRL parted ways with Maroons coach Jason Hetherington following their breakthrough 24-18 win on the Sunshine Coast in November.

Fresh after retiring from the State of Origin arena at 44 years of age last season, Hilder replaces Andrew Patmore in the leading role.

Acting as Patmore's assistant coach last year, Hilder was a late call-up to the NSW side after Keeley Davis was ruled out through injury, playing 57 minutes in the loss.

A former Australian touch football representative, Hilder has been a strong advocate for having more female coaches in the game.

"We need to get more females coaching to change the perception out there that women can't coach, because they can," Hilder said.

"But it doesn't mean that every female team playing rugby league needs to be coached by a female either, it just needs to be the right person."

The former Roosters hooker will be assisted by NSW legend Geoff Toovey for the match, which will be played on June 25 at a venue yet to be confirmed.