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England and Leeds Women star Caitlin Beevers believes women’s Rugby League is taking a ‘massive step in the right direction’ following its launch alongside the men and wheelchair’s competitions respectively on Thursday.
Beevers, 21, won her second first Grand Final last year with her hometown club as Leeds Rhinos overcame a strong York Valkyrie side to win their second grand final in four consecutive appearances in the last dance of the season.
But, with more coverage this year than ever before, a Challenge Cup final to be played at Wembley as well as a strong World Cup run to feed off, the Leeds full back is excited about where the sport is heading for women.
Beevers said: “We’re finally getting the exposure needed to grow the game. We’ve got the Challenge Cup final at Wembley which we thought would be years off, so it’s exciting and a massive step in the right direction.
“I’ve not really thought about the fact that this is actually history-making. We all play Rugby because we love the sport, and we love playing with our mates every week so to have a financial status come in is the cherry on top.”
With the World Cup boosting viewing figures right across the sport and in particular the women’s game, Beevers spoke on the surreal feeling on transforming into a role model and inspiring the younger generation.
She added: “I find it quite hard to believe that we’re seen as role models as I’m still just here playing Rugby and doing something I’ve always wanted to do. Something we say a lot is ‘paving the pathways’ and putting the foundations down for others.
“If you had asked me when I was younger to name a handful of England players, I’d have struggled but now you can’t not know and that’s the best thing. When I was younger, I started in the ‘under 7’s boys’ and now there’s girls’ teams even at that age which is massive for the game and very exciting for the future generation.”
With Sky Sports also announcing today that three Women’s Super League fixtures will be broadcasted along with the play-offs and Grand Final later in the season, flying prospects like Beevers are leading the way for Women to not only earn a living from the sport they love, but inspire others to get involved and grow the sport too.
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