ARL Commission exploring women's expansion

An expanded NRL Women's premiership might be in place by 2022, with the ARL Commission beginning discussions on the future of the competition.

After a meeting on Friday, the commission revealed it had begun talks with stakeholders about the prospect of expanding the four-team competition.

The inaugural NRL Women's premiership last year was won by Brisbane, with St George Illawarra, the Sydney Roosters and the Warriors also fielding teams.

Newcastle, South Sydney and Cronulla were unsuccessful in their applications to compete in the first competition.

"Prior to any determination, considerations will include analysis of current national pathways versus elite playing talent pool, commercial viabilities and player wellbeing," the commission said in a statement.

The commission has also begun analysing venues for the 2020 Women's State of Origin after a crowd of more than 10,500 attended last Friday's clash between Queensland and NSW at North Sydney Oval.