It’s been an exciting week at the Canberra Raiders, with the announcement that Parbery Consulting will be the inaugural NRLW major partner for 2023 and 2024.
Following on from this, the Raiders can provide the following update on the NRLW team and what will be happening in the coming weeks and months in the lead up to their inaugural season.
The Canberra Raiders pride themselves on being a collaborative and united organisation, as such many decisions pertaining to the Raiders NRLW program will be addressed once the inaugural players and staff roster are finalised.
The Club’s NRL and NRLW programs will co-exist out of the Raiders Centre facility in Braddon.
When will the Raiders start announcing signings?
The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is currently being negotiated between the NRL and RLPA. Until the CBA and salary cap is finalised, no signings can be lodged with the NRL however clubs can speak to potential players in the meantime.
The Raiders have been actively meeting with players from local, interstate and overseas and will announce members of the 2023 NRLW squad when the CBA is finalised. NRLW Squads will likely consist of 24 contracted players and six development players.
Who is on the Raiders NRLW staff?
The club has confirmed Darrin Borthwick as Head Coach for the first two seasons and Stephanie Backer in the role of Raiders NRLW Operations Manager. Other NRLW Program staff will be announced later.
When will the NRLW draw be released?
Once the CBA is finalised it is anticipated that the NRLW draw will be announced shortly thereafter. The club is hopeful that most (if not all) home matches will align with the Raiders NRL draw to provide members and fans the opportunity to see both teams on the same day at the same venue.
For home matches where this won’t occur, the club will use Raiders Belconnen as the secondary venue.
When will the season start?
The NRLW regular season will be a nine-round competition, plus two finals series matches, which will see the NRLW grand final align with the NRL grand final in early October. This means the NRLW season will kick-off in July 2023.
These are potential timings, which will be confirmed once the CBA is finalised and the draw is released.
The playing group will assemble for a six-week pre-season prior to the commencement of the season proper.
Will the NRLW team be called the Raiders?
Yes, the NRLW team will be known as the Raiders. All NRLW franchises are named the same as the NRL teams as part of the NRL licencing agreement.
Will we be able to buy the NRLW Jersey and ISC range?
The Raiders and ISC are looking at ranging the following NRLW specific products through www.raidersshop.com.au - jersey, polo, training tee, hoodie and tights.
Once the range has been finalised and a date of production has been secured, we will provide further information on what will be available.
Will there be a specific women’s membership option to show my support specifically for the women?
The club is currently awaiting the NRLW draw before confirming any specific NRLW memberships.
2023 Ticketed Raiders members will receive access to all NRLW matches at GIO Stadium Canberra as part of their 2023 inclusions. Any home fixtures at Raiders Belconnen will be based on priority access to complimentary ticketing as capacity limits may apply. Further information will be provided once available.
Can my business still support the team?
The club has confirmed several corporate partners who will align with the team for season 2023, headed by major partner Parbery Consulting who will adorn the front of jersey.
Parbery Consulting named Raiders NRLW Major Partner
There is still an opportunity to feature on the back of the jersey and there will be further corporate opportunities in the new year.
For any corporate enquiries please contact corporate@raiders.com.au
NRLW Updates
Stay tuned to www.raiders.com.au and the Raiders social media channels to keep up-to-date with all the latest news and information on the NRLW team as it becomes available.
