Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington believes the growth of women’s rugby league will prove fundamental to the overall progression of the sport in the coming years. The Headingley giants will create history in 2023 by becoming the first British rugby league team to make matchday payments to their women’s team, a move Hetherington feels marks a significant step towards the women’s game becoming fully professional.
The Rhinos, who are the reigning Women's Super League champions, are looking to expand their women's operation and the payments will include a winning bonus for each game next season, along with meritocratic payments for success in the Challenge Cup and Grand Final competitions.
Leeds already pay their women's players for promoting the game and contribute towards their travel expenses and say the latest move is another step towards a professional women's team. Hetherington told Leeds Live: “Last year we had a three-year plan for upgrading the women’s team and year one was about improving all the services such as medical, physios, sport science and facilities.
