St George Illawarra back women's team as NRLW under threat

With the league in a perilous financial position, the organisation is attempting to slash expenses to ensure the NRL and all 16 clubs survive a shutdown forced by the spread of coronavirus.

The NRL confirmed Monday that operating costs will be reduced by 53 per cent, likely resulting in savings of more than $50 million.

That move has seen some fear women's rugby league will be an area to face cuts.

Already the Women's National Championships have been cancelled, while reports throughout the weekend indicate the Roosters and Warriors will withdraw from the NRLW due to the heavy costs involved.

It's understood it costs the clubs up to $500,000 to play in the NRLW.

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Lacey recognises the entire sport is in a precarious position, but he hopes administrators remain focused on saving both the men's and women's competitions.

"We understand there are big issues for the NRL right now and they are trying to save money," Lacey said.

"But the clubs had to pay to be in the NRLW, it wasn't costing the NRL that much.

"If the NRL was to start, it would be a bit of a kick in the guts if they didn't even entertain a women's competition.

"If you look at how far we've come, the NRL has been so inclusive, if we don't play, it will be exclusive.

"It's the easy option, they need to save money, but I don't think it's the right message to put out there without exhausting every option to get some footy on the table."

The NRL was planning to extend the competition to six rounds in 2020, with two new teams set to enter next year.

Those plans are now on the backburner, with Lacey desperate to see this year's season survive.

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An NRL spokeswoman confirmed no decision has yet been made on the competition, while the Dragons said they remain committed to their women's team.

"St George Illawarra are committed to its women's team endeavours in 2020," the club said in a statement.

"The Dragons are awaiting to hear the NRL's stance on the 2020 NRL Women's Premiership and whether it will proceed.

"The unprecedented pandemic everyone is currently facing isn't discriminating.

"Sporting competitions, regardless of gender, have or are being cancelled and suspended due to COVID-19 globally.

"It is a reflection of the worldwide societal climate, and not on the women's game, if a 2020 edition of the competition doesn't eventuate."

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The spread of coronavirus has had a significant effect on rugby league as a whole, with the NSWRL cancelling all representative competitions on Friday.

That put an end to the Illawarra Steelers defence of their under 18 Tarsha Gale Cup premiership and Lacey, who also coaches that side, said it's at the junior level where the impact of the shutdown will be felt most.

"I feel for those younger girls," Lacey said.

"Young girls are emerging every year and some girls might miss their opportunity.

"We were going to have 14s and 16s girls competitions in the Illawarra this year, they may not happen now.

"I'm confident the NRLW players will be able to adapt to training on their own, but I fear the young ones will miss out on that development."