To back up that claim, you only have to look at the local Magpies rugby league club, who will supply four players to the inaugural Group 21 women’s team, which is scheduled to take the field at Muswellbrook’s Olympic Park on Saturday, February 10. 

The hit-out is designed to double as a trial for a Greater Northern Tigers representative side – and, possibly, higher honours in one of the country’s fastest-growing football codes.

Merriwa’s Jessyca Morgan, Maddlilyn Blackadder, Shai Blackadder and Dimity Parker will join Muswellbrook Ramettes Brydie Parker, Kelsey French, Harmony Liddell, Shae Pemberton, Clare Akauma and Cressa Harris, Singleton quintet Brooke Carter, Tyler Kersley, Ebony Ford, Meagan Casserly and Ashleigh Noble, Aberbeen duo Caitlin Albury and Katherine Nicholson, as well as Murrurundi’s Lucy Prudden, in the Phoebe Desmond-coached squad.

“We’re over the moon with our selection,” Morgan said.

“We didn’t believe it at first.

“However, we’re all proud to make the team.

“It’s a big thing for Merriwa to have four girls [picked] from the one club.

“The profile of the game has really lifted in recent times.

“But, women have skills that need to be shown, just like men.

“Male sport has been around forever and I just think the spectators are becoming bored watching one gender.

“We need to show the men up by putting ourselves out there and having a good hard go.”

While the Magpies enjoyed a stellar 2017, finishing runners up in league tag and third in the CRL 9s, it’s not surprising Muswellbrook and Singleton dominated the first rep side of its kind.

The Ramettes claimed both titles last season, while the Greyhounds featured heavily in each format, too.

“It’s definitely a strong team,” Morgan said.

“We’ll give it a good shake.

“And, given it is a one-off clash [in February], I’m sure the girls will take their chance to impress, especially when training starts this month.

“As for me, I can’t wait.

“CRL 9s is a lot easier [than league tag], it’s more fun to put on a hard hit rather than trying to get a tag. 

“Spectators also love the tackle aspect and would choose to watch it over league tag any day.

“Watching a woman run hard and making a killer tackle is what keeps them coming back because they know we are just as good (if not better) than the men. 

“And, this is the sport I’ve loved since I was five.

“In fact, it’s the best sport out there.”