The Canberra Raiders are pleased to announce that they have extended their partnership with Mounties for another two years to further develop their women’s pathways programs.
The partnership, which officially kicked off in the lead up to the Raiders inaugural NRLW season in 2023, has provided the opportunity for players to continue to develop their skills in NSW’s premier women’s competition.
The Raiders have had a long history with Mounties, previously having partnered with the club from 2012-2020 in the NSW Cup competition.
Eight players that have played NRLW for the Raiders played at Mounties prior to playing for the Raiders.
10 players in the Raiders 2024 NRLW squad spent time playing at Mounties last season, helping players return from injury or as a way for players to continue to get game time during the season.
Sydney-based Raiders NRLW players have also had the opportunity to train alongside the Mounties Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership squad in recent months to prepare for the NRLW pre-season starting in May.
Raiders NRLW staff and some Sydney-based players spent time at Aubrey Keech Reserve in April to take part in a Mounties full-club female training session, which saw players from Under 14 through to the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership train together.
Raiders CEO Don Furner said the Raiders had a long and proud association with Mounties, with the Raiders able to continue this through the NRLW program.
"We've worked with the Mounties Group over several years and we've always found them to be very professional and have the best interests of the game and developing players," Furner said.
"We look forward to the extension of the partnership and continuing to provide a valuable step in our female pathway system."
Raiders NRLW coach Darrin Borthwick said he’s excited to continue the partnership for another two years and see the benefits it provides both organisations.
“For us it’s terrific, to know that our players can go back and play some football and Mounties have proven that it works well,” Borthwick said.
“They had the partnership with the Men’s team for so many years, so for us to feel safe about where we are sending our players and knowing that they are getting some football in, I think it’s great that we’ve got another two years of for stability that way.
“It gives us the ability to send some of our younger players back to upskill them and develop them. Now that the competitions align, it’s the perfect scenario of first grade and reserve grade. To be able to have that option to give our players some time and some minutes is terrific.
“There’s benefits for us obviously with being able to send our players back but there’s also an avenue to look at the players that Mounties have and possibly reward their players for playing good footy as well.”
Mounties Rugby League Football Manager Alex Miller said he’s looking forward to the continuation of the partnership.
“For Mounties Group, partnerships like these aren’t just about supporting the sport. It’s about the opportunities we can provide to women to enable them to fulfil their sporting potential,” Miller said.
“This partnership is a perfect example of how we use our resources and reach to improve the lives of not just our members, but the communities in which they live, too.
“We’re proud to give female players a pathway to an elite level of rugby league, and to support them with a professional, nurturing environment that puts their development first. Together we can build stronger athletes and stronger communities.”
