Canberra NRLW winger Madison Bartlett says she is excited to get the 2024 season underway. Photo: Canberra Raiders.
The Canberra Raiders are gearing up for their second season in the NRLW.
Winger Madison Bartlett says the team is excited to show off their skills. When she was playing ‘tag’ growing up in New Zealand, the proud footy fanatic knew she wanted to play the sport as her full-time job.
“I fell in love with the game as soon as I was picked up by the Warriors back in 2018 after an extensive trialling period,” Madison says.
“I had been playing the New Zealand version of Oztag since I was in school, and when I moved to Australia, I was intrigued by the game of NRL and wanted to involve myself further. When I found out about the Canberra Raiders joining the league, I jumped at the chance to join in.”
Madison says she is excited about the future of women’s sport.
“The progression of the women’s NRL has been fantastic. A few years ago, State of Origin for women was just one game, then it was two and now we’re level with the boys at three, which is just amazing to see.”
Now at the age of 29, Madison says nothing is going to hold her back from continuing her career in the sport she loves.
“I have been playing for a lot longer than a lot of people in the field, and I love watching the later generations come in and play the sport we love together.
“My body and mind are healthy. Age is just a number.”
Canberra Raiders NRLW coach Darrin Borthwick says he can’t wait for the new season,
“I have been around the game for years with heaps of clubs and different leagues, but my time at the Raiders, and watching the women’s league expand, is just amazing,” Darrin says.
“When the opportunity came up to coach a team with such a great culture, it was a very easy decision to make.
“The game has already come so far. To think that when it started in 2018, there were four teams, and now, just six years later, we’re up to 10 from cities all around Australia, is truly fantastic.”
The 2025 season welcomes the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and New Zealand Warriors to the competition.
“By this time next year, there are going to be two more teams getting ready for the season, which is great.”
The 10-team, nine-round NRLW season will see the Canberra Raiders women start their campaign taking on the Wests Tigers on 28 July at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Their first home game is on 3 August at GIO Stadium against the Newcastle Knights.
To learn more, visit Canberra Raiders.
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