Warriors in NRL four-team women's comp

Warriors executive chairman Jim Doyle says having a side in the inaugural NRL women's competition is a massive step for the game in New Zealand.

The NRL announced on Tuesday it had granted licences to the Warriors, Brisbane, St George Illawarra and the Sydney Roosters for its inaugural women's competition.

"The formation of a women's premiership is one of the most exciting developments the game has seen," NRL boss Todd Greenberg says.

The competition will take place later this year.

Doyle says it is a significant launching pad.

"With the success the Kiwi Ferns have had, it's logical to have one of the teams in New Zealand while it's also tremendous for our brand to be able to embrace the community in the fullest sense," he said.

Greenberg said a decision was made to run the competition with four teams, rather than six, to ensure the first year of competition was of the highest quality, while balancing player workload.

"We think we've got the balance right for our first year and I would expect more NRL clubs to join the competition in the years ahead," he said.

NRL senior manager of the women's elite programme, Tiffany Slater, says the four NRL clubs would now embark on a process to contract players for the competition.

"The recent Women's Rugby League World Cup tournament showcased exceptional playing skills across competing teams and we're looking forward to many of those players participating as part of the premiership," she said.

Cronulla have reportedly sought a please-explain for their omission.