The future of women’s rugby league in the west will be up for discussion on Sunday, 31 January.

A meeting will be held at the Gilgandra Bowling Club at 11am where the possibility of a stand- alone competition will be on the agenda.

The women currently play under the Castlereagh League banner, but with the growth and popularity of the competition, the league’s secretary, Bryson Luff, and women’s coordinator, Angela Howe believe now is the time to depart the competition and stand on their own two feet.

“Basically, the meeting on Sunday is to see if we can gain enough support to create a stand-alone competition,” Ms Howe said.

“At the moment it’s been Bryson and myself trying to organise everything, which has become difficult with the growth of the competition, so hopefully we can build a committee who can take on some of the work involved.”

Ms Howe said it was an exciting time for women in rugby league in the area.

Interest in the competition is evident, with the plan to run under 12s, 14s, 16s, 18s and an opens’ competition.

This is a huge increase from recent years when only two teams - 18s and opens - were catered for.

The competition provides a “direct” pathway into the Western Rams.

“The Western Rams are going gangbusters and hope to join the Sydney competition,” Ms Howe said.

Anyone interested in the future of women’s rugby league is encouraged to attend the meeting.

“We’re looking for anyone interested in playing in the competition or helping out in any capacity to come along,” Mr Luff said.

“The chances are that any new club formed may not even be known as Castlereagh, but that doesn’t really matter as long as the women’s league out here continues to prosper under enthusiastic and committed leadership. That’s the bottom line.”

The women’s competition kicks off at the completion of the women’s league tag competition.