Why women's Rugby League is thriving in Maitland.
In just one season, the Maitland Pickers have gone from fielding their first-ever women's tackle team to becoming champions - and now, they've got enough players to fill two sides, signalling a booming era for women's rugby league in the Hunter.
In 2024, the Maitland Pickers Rugby League Club introduced a women's tackle team for the first time in history and the team went on to win the inaugural Oporto Women’s Premiership.
Where it began:
Prior to 2024, the club had only offered a women's league tag competition which is a non-contact format of the game that allowed female athletes to participate and showcase their skills. While league tag was a popular and successful program, the growing interest in female tackle rugby league could not be overlooked. As the demand for a more competitive and physical version of the sport grew, the club recognised the opportunity to tap into this emerging talent pool.
Just one year after introducing a women's tackle side, the club now have enough to not only field a first-grade side, but also a reserve-grade side. This development marks another significant achievement for the club, making them one of only two clubs in the Hunter region to have enough women to form two competitive sides. This demonstrates the clubs ability to provide a reliable environment for women to join to excel in their rugby league careers.
Maitland Pickers women's reserve grade warm up. Photo by Tianna Sadaj.
Maitland Pickers women's reserve grade warm up. Photo by Tianna Sadaj.
Reserve grade women's player Mikaela Jay said that she was drawn to the Maitland Pickers because they are one of the few clubs offering a clear and stable pathway for women in rugby league, and she couldn't be more excited for the season ahead.
Interview with Reserve grade women's player, Mikaela Jay. Interviewed by Tianna Sadaj.
Interview with Reserve grade women's player, Mikaela Jay. Interviewed by Tianna Sadaj.
"I felt a part of the family as soon as I joined the Maitland Pickers and I can't wait to see what my future holds at this club," Mikaela added.
Many of the girls from the side said that the team spirit and support from both the coaching staff and fellow players create an atmosphere where women can feel connected, valued, and driven to succeed.
"Being a junior last year, it is really exciting to know there is a pathway and future here at the Pickers," Mikaela said.
Interview with women's reserve grade player, Mikaela Jay. Interviewed by Tianna Sadaj.
Interview with women's reserve grade player, Mikaela Jay. Interviewed by Tianna Sadaj.
The Maitland Pickers are deeply committed to fostering growth and development at every level of rugby league, from juniors right through to their senior teams. This is evident through their introduction of a U18s female side in the 2025 season, the first time in its history that they've hosted a junior female team, partnering with the Morpeth Bulls Junior Rugby League Club U18s side. This showcases the clubs emphasis on nurturing young talent, as these pathways offer players the chance to progress through the grades and eventually make it to the first-grade side. This continuity allows athletes to develop their skills in a supportive environment, while also giving them the opportunity to grow in confidence as they gradually make more competitive sides.
Reserve grade womens coach Taliah Buckton said:
"For the Pickers, it's about more than just winning games. It is about ensuring that every player has the resources, opportunities and guidance they need to excel in the sport and reach their personal goals."
Interview with women's reserve grade coach, Taliah Buckton. Interviewed by Tianna Sadaj.
Interview with women's reserve grade coach, Taliah Buckton. Interviewed by Tianna Sadaj.
The club's commitment to skill development is an aspect many players are attracted to, evident in their tailored training sessions provided to players. Whether it's specific drills designed to improve technical abilities or fitness-focused sessions aimed at boosting endurance, the Pickers ensure each player receives the training they need to advance.
This emphasis on personalised skill development goes hand-in-hand with the club's focus on teamwork, ensuring that all players can effectively contribute to their teams success while also growing individually.
Training photo of first-grade captain, Brooke Carter. Photo by Tianna Sadaj.
Training photo of first-grade captain, Brooke Carter. Photo by Tianna Sadaj.
Interview with women's reserve grade coach, Taliah Buckton. Interviewed by Tianna Sadaj.
Interview with women's reserve grade coach, Taliah Buckton. Interviewed by Tianna Sadaj.
The end goal:
For many female rugby league players, the ultimate goal is to be selected for the Harvey Norman women’s Premiership, which represents the highest level of competition in the Hunter area, specifically with the Newcastle Knights. From there, players aim to secure spots in NRLW squads and earn selection for other prestigious representative teams.
The Maitland Picker's are attracting a lot of female talent by providing support and pathways players need to achieve these goals, solidifying the clubs role in the growth of women's rugby league in the Hunter.
