Bulldogs women come out barking

Winless in 2019, the young women have won two out of their four games in this year’s NSW Women’s NRL competition and manager Paul Arraj could not be prouder.
“The girls came back after Covid very fit and very keen to get back on the field,” he said.
“We’re making the most of the new restrictions, with all the sanitising and social distancing requirements.
“And I’ve been telling the players, just bring mum or dad or your boyfriend to watch, not 10 or 20 people and everyone has been strictly adhering to this.”
Coached by dual international Lisa Fiaola who has played for Australia in both the rugby and rugby league, the players train Tuesdays and Thursdays but it’s all for the love of it.
“The game is growing but women’s league is still in its infancy,” Arraj said.
“A 20-year-old male probably has about 10 years’ football playing experience, where as his female counterpart might only have a couple of years.
“Our NSWRL competition is more like the second grade competition, with the NRLW competition like first grade.
“It starts in October and our female players are working hard to get noticed and hopefully win a spot in the Rooster or Dragon sides and score a contract to play.
“Bulldogs don’t play as a club in the NRLW comp, its Roosters, Dragons, Warriors and Broncos only but they’re always looking to recruit from other clubs for that series.”
Arraj said he was confident the Bulldogs women had the potential to go far.
“They work so hard and really put their bodies on the line; it’s fantastic to see.”
After a bye this weekend, Bulldogs women take on the Sharks Monday week at the NSW Rugby League Centre of Excellence, Homebush, at 7pm.