Mounties Group extends its vital partnership with Canberra Raiders to further develop women’s pathways programs

Profit for purpose organisation Mounties Group is proud to announce the extension of its partnership with the Canberra Raiders for another two years to support and grow women’s rugby league pathways. The renewed partnership strengthens the alignment between the Raiders NRLW program and Mounties’ Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership team, providing a vital development platform for emerging female athletes.

Since the new partnership began ahead of the Raiders’ inaugural NRLW season in 2023, it has given players the opportunity to gain valuable game time, recover from injury, and build their skills in one of the country’s most competitive women’s leagues. Mounties Group has a long-standing relationship with the Raiders, dating back to their NSW Cup partnership from 2012 to 2020.

Now, with the spotlight on the women’s game, Mounties Group is proud to be able to play a role in shaping the future of female rugby league. Alex Miller, Mounties Rugby League Football Manager, said the partnership is crucial for providing opportunities for women in sport: “For Mounties Group, partnerships like these aren’t just about supporting the sport. It’s about the opportunities we can provide to women to enable them to fulfil their sporting potential. This partnership is a perfect example of how we use our resources and reach to improve the lives of not just our members, but the communities in which they live, too. We’re proud to give female players a pathway to an elite level of rugby, and to support them with a professional, nurturing environment that puts their development first. Together we can build stronger athletes and stronger communities.”

Steve Fitzpatrick, President at Mounties Group, said: “Crucial partnerships like these are made possible by our members. With over 270,000 members, Mounties Group can provide funding to organisations that really make a difference in the lives of individual people and wider communities. We are incredibly proud of the role Mounties Group has played in the journey of so many elite female athletes and remain committed to fostering opportunity, connection, and wellbeing through initiatives like this one.”

This initiative forms part of Mounties Group’s broader mission to invest in programs that foster opportunity, connection, and wellbeing. With eight current Raiders NRLW players having come through Mounties’ ranks, and 10 players in the 2024 squad spending time at the club last season to recover from injury and gain game time, the pathway continues to prove its success. In recent months, Sydney-based Raiders players have trained alongside Mounties' women's squads to prepare for the upcoming NRLW season.

A whole-club female training session held at Aubrey Keech Reserve in April brought together players from the Under 14s through to the senior women’s squad, reflecting Mounties Group’s commitment to inclusive community sport. Mounties Group is proud to play a key role in not only advancing women’s sport but also in enriching the lives of the people in its community through programs like this.