For the first time ever, the Newcastle Knights are fielding their NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership side in the NRLW with the proud support of the NSW Minerals Council.
A fantastic step forward for women’s sport in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, the Newcastle Knights will be taking to the field over 5 rounds this NRLW season.
As well as the Newcastle Knights joining the competition for the first time, the Gold Coast Titans and Parramatta Eels are also joining the 2022 season, making it a huge year for women’s Rugby League.
We sat down with Rangimarie Edwards Bruce, Newcastle Knights player and Operator at Peak Downs Mine, QLD, to have a chat about the upcoming season.
“I’m so excited, it’s my first year being a part of a NRLW side and to be able to be the first for a women’s Knights team is very exciting, not only for us girls but for the community,” said Rangimarie.
“The atmosphere within our team is very positive and the girls can’t wait to get out there every week and see what we can give for the season.”
As a footballer and a miner, Rangimarie says the support of the NSW Minerals Council and the team’s other partners was critical to the Knights ability to field a team in the NRLW competition.
“We’re just so grateful to have them on board and honoured to have their support,” said Rangimarie.
“When I’m not on the field playing for the Newcastle Knights, I’m operating CAT793 Rear Dump Trucks in the mines, so it’s great to have that connection between the mining industry and women’s rugby league.”
With their first game out of the way, the Newcastle Knights will step back onto the field on March 6, 2022, in Round 2 to take on the Brisbane Broncos. As much as the Newcastle squad trains to take home the win, Rangimarie said it’s the friendships within the team that make them a solid squad.
“We’ve been bonding a lot which is always good for a team, to be able to know and trust who is out there on the field with you and know that they have your back on and off the field,” she said.
“We’ve also learnt a lot about each other’s cultures which I’ve found is a big part of getting to know each other and where we all come from.
“It’s helped us build strong connections and has resulted in a very close group of women.”
Though it’s a great opportunity for this year’s women’s squad, Rangimarie also mentioned the opportunities it opens up for the future young talent that will come through in years to come.
“It’s exciting times for women in league, to see where I started and to see what it is now is just amazing,” said Rangimarie.
With a passionate inaugural Newcastle Knights squad raring to make their first season one to remember, get to a game and show your support. You’re sure to see some ripper footy.
2022 Fixtures
| Round 1 | Time | Location | Date |
| St George Illawarra Dragons vs Gold Coast Titans | 12:00pm | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | 27th Feb, 2022 |
| Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos | 1:50pm | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | 27th Feb, 2022 |
| Newcastle Knights vs Parramatta Eels | 3:40pm | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | 27th Feb, 2022 |
| Round 2 | Time | Location | Date |
| Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos | 12:00pm | WIN Stadium, Wollongong | 6th Mar, 2022 |
| Sydney Roosters vs Gold Coast Titans | 1:50pm | WIN Stadium, Wollongong | 6th Mar, 2022 |
| St George Illawarra Dragons vs Parramatta Eels | 3:40pm | WIN Stadium, Wollongong | 6th Mar, 2022 |
| Round 3 | Time | Location | Date |
| Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights | 1:00pm | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 12th Mar, 2022 |
| Brisbane Broncos vs St George Illawarra Dragons | 12:00pm | CommBank Stadium, Sydney | 13th Mar, 2022 |
| Parramatta Eels vs Gold Coast Titans | 1:45pm | CommBank Stadium, Sydney | 13th Mar, 2022 |
| Round 4 | Time | Location | Date |
| Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos | 12:00pm | Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast | 19th Mar, 2022 |
| Parramatta Eels vs Sydney Roosters | 12:00pm | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | 20th Mar, 2022 |
| Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons | 1:45pm | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | 20th Mar, 2022 |
| Round 5 | Time | Location | Date |
| St George Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters | 1:00pm | Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney | 26th Mar, 2022 |
| Gold Coast Titans vs Newcastle Knights | 12:00pm | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | 27th Mar, 2022 |
| Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels | 1:45pm | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | 27th Mar, 2022 |
