
The international game could be set for a big rule change in women’s rugby league as England Women could be given a boost ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The international federation is looking at a new proposal that would, in effect, drop the current eligibility rules of switching between tier 1 nations in the women’s game.
That would mean NRLW players would be able to switch their nationality to another nation, but also be able to represent Australia again at some point.
In the men’s game, there is plenty of debate on this topic, especially with non-Australians wanting to play in the State of Origin.
International Rugby League Chair, Troy Grant, said: “I’ve been asked whether the tiering system for women would, could or should be reviewed.
“There are some quality NRLW dual-eligible players that could boost the English and other Northern Hemisphere sides, especially leading up to the World Cup in 2026, quickly followed by their own standalone World Cup in 2028.
“I think there’s absolute merit, and I will take the issue to our next board meeting with my support for the removal of the tiering for women to help spread the talent pool and contribute to the ongoing growth of the women’s game.”
Who could represent England Women if the eligibility rule was changed?
As it stands, there are three names who’ve expressed interest in playing for England.
Sydney Roosters duo Jocelyn Kelleher and Jasmin Strange (who both have English-born mothers) and Canterbury Bulldogs co-captain Tayla Preston would all be eligible to represent England, but have all been in State of Origin squads before, meaning they’d have to forego their spots to change nationalities.
England Women last played in Las Vegas against Australia’s Jillaroos and were on the losing end of a 90-4 scoreline, and it’s thought that the addition of NRLW players could help to boost their chances of closing the gap.
England currently have four players in the NRLW: Georgia Roche at Newcastle Knights, Hollie-Mae Dodd at Canberra Raiders, Francesca Goldthorp at North Queensland Cowboys and Paige Travis at Parramatta Eels, who joined ahead of the 2025 season.
However, there’s no doubt that the addition of quality NRLW players would benefit England Women ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
