Sydney Roosters star Millie Boyle has admitted the lack of criticism is hurting the standard of the women's game, with the upcoming NRLW season set to feature four new teams.
The 25-year-old has been at the forefront of the women's game in recent years, captaining the Newcastle Knights to the title last year before a shock move to Bondi.
Boyle has also featured for NSW on five occasions, including the most recent series draw against the Maroons, which has led to calls for a three-game series in the future.
But despite the clear growth of the NRLW competition, there is still a long way to go according to Boyle, who admitted the tip-toeing from some fans and experts isn't doing the women any favours.
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“That is a pet hate... it’s almost like a stock standard thing that comes out, like ‘How good is it going’ – you’re allowed to say that game was terrible," she said on SEN 1170.
"It’s like you’re going to be shot for saying something bad about women’s sport. If we want to be taken seriously, we have to take that criticism as well and be accountable for not having the best performances.
"Yes there’s reasons – playing Origin after you haven’t played any footy at all, no one is in form – that kind of thing.
"Our first game of Origin, God it was bad – it was actually embarrassing – and then afterwards, they were like ‘Hey guys, we had 43 per cent more viewers than last year’.
"If this is what people are tuning into for the first time, that’s embarrassing and we are so much better than that as a product.
.@NRLWomens star Millie Boyle vents her frustration with how the media and fans view the women's game
— SEN 1170 (@1170sen) July 11, 2023
All Talk with @HelloSportPod is live tonight from 8pm on 1170 AM#NRLW pic.twitter.com/InLLa0AzqR
The front-rower's comments come as the likes of NRL CEO Andrew Abdo have pushed for more teams in the competition, despite only moving to 10 sides prior to the upcoming campaign.
How many teams are in the NRLW?
There will be 10 teams in this year's NRLW competition, with four new additions from across the country.
- Brisbane Broncos
- Canberra Raiders
- Cronulla Sharks
- Gold Coast Titans
- Newcastle Knights
- North Queensland Cowboys
- Parramatta Eels
- St George Illawarra Dragons
- Sydney Roosters
- Wests Tigers
When does the NRLW season start?
This year's NRLW season kicks off on July 22nd.
