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Brisbane prop Millie Boyle says attempts to equalise the expanded NRLW by asking marquee players to switch clubs are unfair to her all-conquering Broncos side.
Key points:
- Boyle says she would not like to see the Broncos squad split up in the expanded NRLW
- The NRLW will include six teams in 2021, with the Titans, Knights and Eels joining the competition
- The NRL is offering the top 24 players central contracts, with four to go to each of the six clubs
The NRL announced earlier this month the NRLW would be expanded to six teams this year, with plans to stage an eight-team competition in 2022.
Gold Coast, Newcastle and Parramatta will make their NRLW debuts in 2021, joining foundation clubs the Broncos, Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra.
The Warriors, who were also a foundation club, will not take part.
In an attempt to even out the NRLW for the new franchises, the NRL has offered the top 24 players central contracts, with four to go to each of the six clubs.
Several players from the Roosters and Dragons have agreed to shift clubs in recent weeks, weakening their rosters.
But there are hurdles, with Newcastle yet to attract a marquee player and a resistance from the Broncos, who won the first three NRLW premierships.
No Brisbane players have agreed to move at this stage, with some willing to forego extra money that comes with a central contract.
Boyle is one Broncos player who has knocked back a move to Gold Coast to stay at Brisbane.
“It would be undoing the work we’ve done at the Broncos,” Boyle said.
“I understand why they need to do the talent equalisation … but when it comes to splitting up a team against the team’s will, I don’t like it.
“You are silly if you want to leave a team that is doing well and that you’re enjoying too, because you’re playing your best footy when you enjoy it.”
Boyle said the clubs should have been given more notice about the league’s talent equalisation plans considering the expanded competition begins in August.
“It’s almost like a band-aid approach,” Boyle said.
“You just have to cop you will be developing for one or two years and invest in the players you want to bring up.
“It’s like if you were to bring in a new NRL team, you’re not going to break up the Storm.
“Are you going to give all their players to fix the (Wests) Tigers?”
Boyle will play for NSW in Friday night’s Women’s State of Origin match against Queensland on the Sunshine Coast.
AAP/ABC
