The Women’s Super League season begins this weekend, and ahead of the opening games Dave Woods is joined by England Women’s Head Coach Craig Richards and Rachel Thompson of Wigan Warriors. They discuss the growth of the women’s game; reflect on the success of the recent Challenge Cup Final; talk about the Super League season and it’s new structure and look ahead to England’s chances in the forthcoming World Cup.

TIMECODES:

02:00 – The panel reflect on the success of last Saturday’s Women’s Challenge Cup Final between St Helens and Leeds Rhinos.

05:30 – Explanation of the new structure of the Women’s Super League which should enable all the games to be much more competitive.

08:20 – Rachel discusses her rugby league story and why, when her former team Thatto Heath Crusaders became St Helens she declined to join them!

10:00 – Rachel explains how the women’s game has improved as they’ve been given access to the same facilities as the men.

11:00 – Insert from St Helens Chief Executive Mike Rush who talks to about how St Helens Women’s Team came about and it’s growing importance within the club.

19:00 – The battle to ensure women’s teams within their respective clubs are given the attention they deserve.

20:00 – Rachel is recovering from a very serious injury suffered back in August, but as an amateur she’s not getting paid whilst doing her rehab.

22:00 – The discussion moves on to whether the women should be paid for playing and how that could come about.

23:50 – How do parents look upon their daughters taking up rugby league.

26:10 – A look ahead to this autumn’s Rugby League World Cup, what are their England chances and who are their main rivals.