All you need to know: 2023 National Championships
The Harvey Norman National Championships returns in 2023 with around 200 aspiring NRLW players set to assemble on the Gold Coast and showcase their skills across four days.
From Julia Robinson, Tiana Penitani to Jada Taylor, a host of NRLW players have graduated from the National Championships to go on and establish themselves as household names at the senior level.
With a new structure format, and the introduction of a New Zealand side for the first time, the 2023 Harvey Norman National Championships will be bigger and better than ever.
All you need to know: National Championships
When and where does the tournament start?
The tournament kicks off on Thursday, May 18 at 9.30am and will finish on Sunday, May 21 with a day of finals matches beginning from 9.00am.
All games will be played at Burleigh’s Pizzey Park in Miami, Queensland. (Adjacent to Burleigh Leagues Club).
Who will be playing in the tournament?
A total of 12 teams across Australia and New Zealand will take part in the National Championships. Teams will be split into three pools in 2023 with a mix of under 19s and opens sides playing one match each day.
Pool A
- NSW City
- Queensland Sapphires
- NSW Emerging Country
- Western Australia
Pool B
- Queensland Rubys
- NSW Country
- Ahi Ka Aotearoa
- First Nations Gems
Pool C
- Northern Territory
- Australian Defence Force
- South Australia
- Victoria
Where can I see the draw?
The tournament schedule is available via NRL.com's match centre and draw hub.
What is the purpose of the tournament?
Aspiring NRLW players who have been selected either through state or regional competitions across Australia and New Zealand 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.
Each of the 12 teams have different reasons to feature in the tournament.
For example, players representing Queensland and NSW may be looking to push for selection in the upcoming under 19s women's State of Origin match, on top of potentially being signed by an NRLW club.
Players from other teams, like the First Nations Gems, may be looking to not only get picked up by an NRLW club, but also push their claims to be part of the Indigenous All Stars team program in 2024.
For players from other states, the tournament presents an opportunity for them to have a genuine pathway to be seen at a national level and push for NRLW selection while also strengthening rugby league across Australia.
The introduction of a New Zealand side for the first time - Ahi Ka Aotearoa - will enable some of the best emerging Kiwi talent to be recognised and push for both NRLW and international honours in the future.
Can I attend the Harvey Norman 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.
How long does each match go for?
All matches across the four days including finals on Sunday will be played in 20-minute halves with a 10-minute break at half-time.
There is a 10-minute gap between all games.
When will squads be announced?
Full squad lists will be released on NRL.com prior to the tournament kick-off on May 18.
Who won last year's tournament?
The Queensland Rubys defeated NSW City in the under 19s draw as part of the old format of the tournament. NSW Country beat Western Australia in the opens division.
The Harvey Norman Women’s National Championship is proudly supported by Major Events Gold Coast.
