Newcomers Windang threw the Women in Defence League wide open with a 28-22 away win over four-time premiers Helensburgh last week, proving they aren't just making up the numbers.

The Tigerlillies have been unbeatable in recent seasons but the departure of Test stars Sam Hammond and Ruan Sims - and several other members of the squad to test themselves in the elite Sydney competition - has brought the champions back to the field in the Illawarra division.

The win at Rex Jackson Oval - Helensburgh's second-ever loss in the competition - was Windang's first since joining the league this year to fill the void left by Port Kembla and keep the competition afloat.

"We worked our guts off with [captain] Erica Winkelbauer to get a side together otherwise the women's comp would've folded," club secretary Warren Schofield said.

"When Port said they didn't want to put a side together we chased really hard to get girls to play.

"In the side now there's only six girls who played last year, so they're mostly new girls ... it was a very good win for the club."

League manager Chris Bannerman says the early season results show that this year's premiership race is the most open in the competition's history.

"I think Windang deserve a lot of raps," he said.

"A couple of weeks ago they were still scratching for numbers, so they've come a long way in a short time.

"That competition's been tipped on its head a over the weekend. They've all got some points on the board and it's wide open at the moment."

Entering a team in the women's competition is a big step for the Windang club, which celebrates its 50th anniversary on June 19 at the Lake Illawarra Hotel.

All past players and officials are invited to attend.