Ruan Sims, a prominent figure in women’s rugby league, disagrees with the notion that the recent uneven scores in the opening rounds of the 2025 NRLW season indicate a depletion of talent in the league. After two weeks of the season, considerable disparities in match results have been noted, including the Sharks winning against the Raiders 56-6, the Broncos defeating the Titans 44-4, and the Roosters overcoming the Warriors 30-6.
Concerns about the overall quality of the league were raised with the return of the Warriors after four seasons and the inclusion of the Canterbury Bulldogs, expanding the competition to 12 teams. Following these lopsided matches, commentators such as Nine’s sideline reporter Marlee Silva observed a recurring negative sentiment in fan discussions, suggesting the talent had been diluted and rendering the games unexciting.
Silva expressed frustration at such perceptions, emphasising that high-scoring games should not automatically lead to the assumption that the league is of lower quality. She noticed comments like, “I turned it off because it was so boring,” and stressed that such views ignore the skill displayed by the winning teams. Silva pointed out that the dominating performances by teams like the Broncos and Roosters shouldn’t be misconstrued as a sign of overall decline in the league’s standard but rather an indication of their exceptional prowess.
Sims echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that while certain teams currently outperform others, the quality of play is still evident. She noted that the strong performances of the noted teams should not overshadow the potential for skill development seen during the matches. Sims highlighted that fans disengage from games when they perceive them to be one-sided, a reaction she finds disappointing. She maintains her commitment to watching every game, valuing the lessons and moments of interest inherent in each match.
In conclusion, both Sims and Silva advocate for a more nuanced understanding of women’s rugby league, encouraging fans to appreciate competitive play and recognise the special moments that emerge in every game, regardless of the scoreline. They call for patience and perspective as the league continues to grow and evolve.