NSW and Queensland will reduce their 20-strong squads name for the opening Women's State of Origin in Newcastle on April 30 to 17 players ahead of kick-off.
Women’s State of Origin and the upcoming NRLW season will be played under virtually unchanged rules from 2025, with four players on the bench and no set re-starts.
While most rules in the NRLW and Women’s State of Origin are similar to the NRL, there are some key differences, including:
- Interchange: The NRLW and WSOO allows up to 10 interchanges per match, compared to eight in the NRL.
- 35-minute halves: The NRLW features 35-minute halves as opposed to 40-minute halves.
- No six-agains: The six-again rule implemented in 2020 does not apply to the women’s game, with penalties only.
- Modified 40/20: The 40/20 and 20/40 rules have been modified for the NRLW with the 40/30 and 20/50 rules, a reduction of 10 metres.
NRL Executive GM, Elite Football and Pathways Graham Annesley said the rules for the 2026 NRLW season remain unchanged from 2025.
"While it is important the rules of the men's and women's games are largely consistent, the few differences reflect the on-going growth of the NRLW competition and its development pathway," Annesley said.
“The rules will be revisited on an annual basis as the game continues to evolve."
