The number of players on elite contracts will go from 40 to 19 with players to share of the allocated $750,000.

The NRL and Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) are set to be working towards formulating a maternity policy.

At the moment, Sam Bremner, who has been awarded one of the central contracts, is currently pregnant with her first child and is set to miss the National Championships and State of Origin.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The BEST upgrade yet 💜👶🏼💙 #babybremnercominginhot

A post shared by Sammy Bremner (@sammybremner) on

However, NRL.com has reported that contracts are not based 'on Bremner playing but on training commitments and marketing requirements'.

Other players to be awarded central contracts include NRLW premiership-winning captain Ali Brigginshaw, former W-League goalkeeper Hannah Southwell and last season's Queensland captain Kariana Brown.

However, there have been two big names miss out including Ruan Sims and Maddie Studdon.

"This is year two of a long-term, year-long calendar of women's rugby league and we're really pleased with the level of skill and commitment that our elite female athletes continue to demonstrate – particularly the 19 that have been rewarded with central contracts," NRL General Manager of the Women’s Elite Program, Tiffany Slater told NRL.com.

"As our game continues to attract new levels of fans, coverage and commercial backing, I have no doubt that we will see a greater number of elite female athletes receiving increased levels of support and contracts."

The full list of players awarded contracts is:

Kezie Apps, Chelsea Baker, Annette Brander, Brittany Breayley, Sam Bremner, Ali Brigginshaw, Karina Brown, Keeley Davis, Vanessa Foliaki, Tazmin Gray, Isabelle Kelly, Corban McGregor, Julia Robinson, Jessica Sergis, Hannah Southwell, Simaima Taufa, Zahara Temara, Meg Ward, Holli Wheeler.