NSW prop Mille Boyle claims attempts to equalise the NRLW are unfair to her all-conquering Brisbane side, arguing head office would never attempt to split up Melbourne’s men.
Friday night’s women’s State of Origin is being played in the backdrop of drama, with players split on how the new-look competition should be developed.
In an attempt to even out the NRLW for new franchises Newcastle, Gold Coast and Parramatta, Shape Kapsel the NRL has offered the top 24 players central contracts with four to go to each of the six clubs.
Several players from founding clubs the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra have agreed to shift clubs in recent weeks, weakening their rosters.
But there are hurdles with Newcastle yet to attract a marquee player and a resistance from the Broncos, who have won the first three premierships.
As things stand next to no Brisbane players have agreed to move, with some willing to forego extra money that comes with a central contract.
Boyle is one player who has knocked back a move to Gold Coast to stay at Brisbane.
“It would be undoing the work we’ve done at the Broncos,” Boyle told AAP.
“I understand why they need to do the talent equalisation … But when it comes to splitting up a team against the team’s will, I don’t like it.
“If you want to play somewhere, you should be able to play somewhere. It’s not our full-time job.
“You are silly if you want to leave a team that is doing well and that you’re enjoying too, because you’re playing your best footy when you enjoy it.”
There is an argument from several that players should spread out for the good of the women’s game, with opinions divided among the code’s stars.
The NRL are desperate to provide a new and growing competition with broadcaster money key, with the spread of top-tier players similar to the salary cap in the men’s.
“It was a tricky one for us to take in, we have had a lot of communication with all the girls, especially in the Blues squad” another NSW player said when quizzed about the issue on Monday.
“Expansion is exciting and what we need.
“If we have to take the sacrifice for a greater game in the future, we may as well.”
But as far as Boyle is concerned, the problem has been caused by the short notice given to expand the competition just over two months before it begins.
“It’s almost like a band-aid approach,” Boyle said.
“You just have to cop you will be developing for one or two years and invest in the players you want to bring up.
“It’s like if you were to bring in a new NRL team, you’re not going to break up the Storm.
“Are you going to give all their players to fix the Tigers?”