Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldog's star male and female players will share the Club's new $60m Centre of Excellence - the country's first NRL gender-equal high performance centre.
The facility will be split 50-50 and is unequivocal proof the Bulldogs are chasing an NRLW licence.
The new three-level Centre of Excellence will be built at Belmore Sports Ground with the ground floor facing the Club's two training back fields.
Eight unisex change rooms, relaxation areas and integrated childcare rooms will be split for all players in the facility.
The facility will also have three gymnasiums, a 70-person theatre and shared learning spaces. Work is expected to start by the end of this year and take two to three years to complete.
“We are focused on building the most gender-equal sporting facility in Australia,” Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton said.
The Bulldogs are a family club and extremely proud of our diverse community.
“We are part of a Club that embraces equity and gives all individuals the tools and support they need to reach their full potential.
“We are committed to creating even greater opportunities for women, as well as developing pathways to help female staff and players reach their aspirations.
“This facility is symbolic of our club's commitment to the growth and development of our male and female programs.”
It will come via a $40m NSW state government grant and the Club plans to inject another $20m to finalise the complex.
The Bulldogs are using considerable energy and money to increase their women's program and are actively seeking an NRLW licence.
Canterbury already has three women's sides in the Tarsha Gale, Harvey Norman and Lisa Fiaola competitions. The Club invests almost $1m annually into those teams.
The NRL is expected to offer two new NRLW licences, possibly from 2025.
The Warriors, who held a licence but returned it during Covid, are almost certain to be reinstated, leaving the Bulldogs, South Sydney and Penrith all vying for the second franchise.
Failure to secure a licence now could mean waiting for the next NRLW intake, which may be 2028.
“The next generation of women is being primed to make their mark when the time comes for the Club to enter the NRLW,” Warburton said.
“The Club submitted an application with a view to be included in the next competition expansion as early as 2025.
“Our current investment in female rugby league, even before we are granted an NRLW licence, has already seen a huge uplift in participation numbers at grassroots level, along with strong results on the field with our Tarsha Gale Cup team finishing minor premiers and our Harvey Norman Pemiership team currently sitting in second place.
“Off the field, we are committed to looking after our player families and our members who are our extended family, and supporting our local community, who are just as diverse as we are.”
Article courtesy of Dean Ritchie and The Daily Telegraph.
