Riverina offered a place in Katrina Fanning Shield

With Canberra Raiders looking to join the NRLW in 2023, the Bulls have been offered a place in the Katrina Fanning Shield. The women's tackle competition had seven teams take part last season, with a mix of Canberra Raiders Cup and George Tooke Shield clubs.

They are looking to increase that to 10 with the Riverina firmly in their sights.

NSW Rugby League Bidgee Region Manager James Smart believes it would be a big boost for rugby league in the region. "When it comes to female participation in rugby league we're certainly not behind, we've got five leaguetag age groups within the Group Nine junior league and strong leaguetag competitions in the seniors but looking at other areas across the state we certainly feel those areas are fast moving ahead in women's tackle," Smart said.

"It's certainly an area we've identified an area for both women's tackle and tag within the region."

Griffith's Lele Katoa progressed from being part of the Bulls side to play State Of Origin while Yanco's Tess Staines will be part of the first Parramatta squad in the NRLW.

Smart hopes an increase in opportunities in the Riverina can make for a better pathway for women to further themselves in the sport.

"The Raiders want to see players being developed out of their catchment, which is where we sit, so there's plenty of potential," he said.

It is hoped having a squad of around 30-35 players looking to commit would make the season sustainable with the travel required to the Canberra region for a home and away season.

Riverina had their first open training session on Saturday in preparation for next year's Country Championships. The Bulls made it to the final, after winning the inaugural title in 2019.

There will be another session this Saturday at Beres Ellwood Oval. There's expected to be a fair turnover of players from last year's team so coach Andrew Hinchcliffe wants to see as many faces as possible. "There's plenty of opportunity for new talent and some youth to come through the squad."