Why rugby league needs New Zealand Warriors to return to NRLW as Kiwi Ferns face Jillaroos at the World Cup

New Zealand are trying to play spoiler to Australia's women's rugby league World Cup campaign. Warriors need to make their NRLW return.

The New Zealand Warriors played in the first three NRLW seasons before withdrawing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition expanded twice since then but the Warriors have yet to return. Australia is ahead in rugby league and the return of the club is crucial to make the most of rugby League's talent in New Zealander. Madison Bartlett is a former NRL player who played for the Dragons. The Kiwi Ferns are the defending champions. They play their final group game in York on Friday morning (AEST). They are up against the Jillaroos, who are improving. New Kiwis need to narrow the gap on Australia.

The New Zealand Warriors played in the first three NRLW seasons before withdrawing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition has expanded twice since then, but the Warriors have yet to return.