History will be made in 2026 with two rival NRL clubs forging a new pathways partnership in the NRLW.
With the South Sydney Rabbitohs yet to have its own NRLW side, the club has entered into a unique agreement with the New Zealand Warriors that will provide development opportunities for players in both clubs.
According to joint statements released on Tuesday morning, players not selected in the Warriors’ NRLW side each week in 2026 will be able to play for South Sydney in the Harvey Norman NSW women’s premiership which runs alongside the NRLW competition.
Meanwhile South Sydney-contracted players will also be given the opportunity to join the Warriors on a train and trial basis providing a more direct pathway to an NRLW career.
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New Zealand Warriors boss Cameron George described the outcome as ‘fantastic’ and a huge boost for the women’s programs at both clubs.
“We’ve been looking for ways to improve our women’s pathways and this is ideal, it’s tremendous to see two clubs working together like this for the mutual benefit of both organisations,” he said.
“We’re so grateful to the Rabbitohs for their support and look forward to building our relationship.”
South Sydney CEO Blake Solly expressed similar delight on announcement of the historic partnership.
“We have been talking with (Warriors CEO) Cameron George about this opportunity for a few months and I’m delighted that we have been able to forge this partnership,” Solly said.
“At some stage we will have our own NRLW team, but until then it is important that every player in our system can see a pathway to the elite level.”