Cronulla Sharks Chairman Dino Mezzatesta and Football Club CEO Barry Russell, together with representatives of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, met with the NRL Chairman Peter Beattie and CEO Todd Greenberg on Tuesday, to discuss their exclusion from the inaugural NRL Women’s Premiership.

Both clubs wanted to meet with the NRL to discuss and understand the reasons why they were unsuccessful in their bid and to detail the plan for the women’s premiership moving forward.
 
Despite being one of the pioneers in women’s rugby league, the Sharks application fell short due to the smaller ‘geographical reach’ in relation to the other applicants.  

The NRL has not provided a guarantee as to the format of the 2019 competition but will review the structure upon the completion of this year’s season and to make any necessary modifications.

“We will continue to build our women’s program and strategy," Russell said.

"We will work to develop and support women in rugby league, with the view of securing a licence in the future.

"Women’s rugby league remains an essential element of our Club and we will continue to provide pathways for women and girls to participate in the game they love,” he said.