Lois Forsell says Leeds Rhinos will not stand in the way of their players wishing to move to Australia after confirming members of her squad are in talks with NRLW clubs. Following England's World Cup performance, clubs down under have highlighted several players across Women's Super League as potential recruits for the new campaign.
It's believed that players from other clubs, namely St Helens are York Valkyrie, have also attracted interest from clubs and are also considering moves to the Southern Hemisphere, leaving the Women's Super League at risk of losing a stack of their top stars.
Reports in Australia back in December claimed the likes of Fran Goldthorp had attracted interest, as well as other England teammates such as Leah Burke, Olivia Wood and Hollie Dodd. Goldthorp was a star performer for the Rhinos as they won last year's Grand Final, but head coach Forsell said the club would support any player wishing to pursue the move.
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"There have been talks with players in our squad and I think we'll know more on that in the next couple of weeks," Forsell told Rugby League Live. "We'll support the girls as they make their decision and we won't stand in their way. I understand their position, it's a fantastic opportunity to not only experience a new competition but a new way of life too. With the financial opportunities involved too, it's not something we would deny them of. We'll see what happens moving forward."
The prospect of losing England internationals from the competition is a real blow to Women's Super League, which has made great strides as a competition in recent years. However, Forsell insists that scenario would be embraced by coaches across the competition.
"The challenge would be on us coaches to develop players to get to that level and I don't think any would be afraid of taking on that challenge. As a game we have to keep finding ways to bring more players through and to make sure they reach the level these girls are at. Losing girls would provide them with a great opportunity to continue their development in Australia while giving new players a chance to take the opportunity presented over here."
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