The winter chill might well and truly have set in, but the heat is already rising for the 2025 NRLW season, with the official launch kicking off in Cronulla on June 25. And Quest representatives showed up in full blue-and-white glory to support the mighty Sharks. 

‘Kicking like a girl’ is now a movement in its own right, with the NRLW’s meteoric rise in popularity showing no signs of slowing down. A 15 percent increase in female participation in 2024 had women and girls lacing up their boots in record numbers across the country, while a whopping 7.2 million viewers tuned in to watch – far surpassing the AFLW despite having fewer matches. 

Last year’s Origin captivated an incredible 1.1 million viewers for the women’s decider – the highest audience ever for a women’s rugby league match – and with two new teams joining the league this year (the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the New Zealand Warriors), this year’s talent and competition promises a best-ever season. For their part, the Sharks are striving to reach new heights after reaching the grand final in the 2024 season, and have since recruited international players Tyla King and Caitlan Johnston-Green. 

“We couldn’t be prouder to stand alongside the Cronulla Sharks NRLW for our second year as Principal Sponsor,” says Ascott Australasia Managing Director, David Mansfield. “Watching these athletes dedicate themselves to their sport, breaking barriers and inspiring a nation truly resonates with Quest’s commitment to fostering growth and empowering communities. It’s more than a sponsorship, it’s a testament to a partnership built on shared values: community spirit, unwavering support and the relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Cronulla Sharks captain Tiana Penitani Gray understands well the power of support. "I had to stop playing rugby league at age 11 because there was no pathway for me as a girl to keep playing. I returned to the game in 2019 and since playing the last two years with the Sharks, I've seen the programs and pathways grow and build for women. It’s so exciting to see what has been achieved in a short amount of time and what's still ahead. The values of our club run much deeper than football and I love seeing our players grow into emerging leaders both on the field and off the field."

If you haven’t been swept up in the NRLW wave yet, now’s the time – the growth of women’s rugby league in Australia isn’t just remarkable, it’s writing sporting history. “Quest Apartment Hotels is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this inspiring narrative,” says Anthea Dimitrakopoulos, Ascott Australia’s General Manager, Brand and ESG.

“As the Cronulla Sharks NRLW team prepares to unleash their power and passion on the field, Quest stands proudly behind them, celebrating every tackle, every try and every barrier broken. Here’s to another exhilarating season of thrilling action and groundbreaking achievements!”