WOMEN’S rugby league saw the launch of the Women’s Super League in 2016 and has gone from strength to strength year on year since then.

Bradford Bulls have been at the forefront of that rise, winning a League and Challenge Cup treble in 2017.

Here are five reasons why - if you aren't already - you should watch the women's game.

1 RECORD CROWDS

2019 has seen record crowds attend Women’s Rugby League fixtures and the recent Coral Challenge Cup fixture between Castleford Tigers and Bradford Bulls saw 1,492 people attend the clash at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle, breaking the previous record of 1,200 in the 2018 Women’s Super League Final.

1,148 supporters saw Castleford Tigers progress in the Coral Challenge Cup against Featherstone Rovers in May – and with the Women’s Coral Challenge Cup final part of a triple-header at the University of Bolton Stadium in July, more fans than ever are setting their eyes on women’s rugby league.

2 RENEWED RIVALRIES

Following the Bradford Bulls Women’s unprecedented treble success in 2017, the likes of Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors were formed, while Thatto Heath ladies became St Helens Women.

Lois Forsell, Daniika Prim and Charlotte Booth were just three players to join new teams following the 2017 success of the Bulls, meaning a host of familiar faces line up against each other week on week.

3 STAR PLAYERS

The Women’s star players are gaining an increasingly high profile within the world of rugby league and we have recently seen Jodie Cunningham of St Helens feature on Sky Sports punditry, while former Bull Lois Forsell is a prominent figure in the world of media.

2018 saw the inaugural Woman of Steel crowned at the End of Season awards, with Georgia Roche the recipient of the award. Amy Hardcastle is one of the higher profile Bradford Bulls stars, while head coaches Beth Sutcliffe and Kirsty Moroney are renowned and well respected within the game.

4 ORIGIN RETURN

Origin Rugby League returned in 2018 for a one-off clash between Yorkshire and Lancashire and this year saw the series expanded to a two-game play-off, which the White Rose outfit won 2-0.

Bradford Bulls stars Amy Hardcastle, Leah Jones and Savannah Andrade all scored as Yorkshire Women came from behind to seal a stunning 27-20 win – with both fixtures live on the OURLEAGUE app.

5 EXPANDED STRUCTURE

Women’s rugby league is bigger and better than ever in 2019 – with three divisions boasting a total of 25 teams. The likes of Wakefield Trinity and Halifax are all new entrants to the three-tier format, with offers a platform for more players than ever.

There are 14 exciting Women’s Super League fixtures for each team, facing off against each opponent twice before the play-off, knockout format kicks on to decide who is the overall Women’s Super League champion.

Looking Ahead

Bradford Bulls Women host Leeds Rhinos Women on Sunday at Odsal Stadium in a curtain-raising clash that promises to live up to its pre-match billing.

The visiting Rhinos will contain no fewer than four ex-Bradford Bulls stars and will look to repeat their 2018 feat when they won at Odsal 32-16.

Kick-off is at 12.30pm prior to the men’s clash with Widnes Vikings – and the new-look Bradford Bulls Women’s side look set to contain stars such as Amy Hardcastle, Savannah Andrade and Danielle Bose.

Adam Cuthbertson’s Rhinos currently sit third with four wins from the opening five Women’s Super League fixtures, with Kirsty Moroney and Beth Sutcliffe’s team fourth with three wins from five.