The Vikings head coach has been involved in women’s rugby for a number of years and he’s been impressed by the first edition of the competition. 

“We’ve needed this competition,” Barrett said. “The ultimate goal of our franchise is to get players in the Wallaroos and have the Wallaroos performing better and hopefully becoming a rugby powerhouse. This competition is what they need to develop the girls coming through.”

Barrett’s comments come as the NSW Women prepare for Friday night’s Super W final against Queensland at Allianz Stadium. The match will be played as a double header prior to the Waratahs clash.

NSW defeated Queensland 18-0 in the opening round of the competition and while Barrett feels there is much the team can learn from the victory, he also knows Queensland have improved since that match.

“It was 18-nill, and the best thing we took out of that match was they threw a lot at us in attack and we defended our line.

“Both teams have made subtle changes to their play. We were far from perfect and Queensland would say the same. 

“We want to play a running style of rugby, but if we have to get into a dogfight, we’re happy to do that as well.

“Queensland will play with passion, but they don’t have a mortgage on passion, the girls in the blue jersey will give it everything as well.”