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There are barriers, but Dragons coach Jamie Soward hopes to retain the bulk of his beaten NRLW grand final squad for the next season later this year.
St George Illawarra coach Jamie Soward has questioned the NRLW's approach to player contracting for next season as he battles to retain his stars immediately after their gutting grand-final defeat.
The Dragons led 4-0 at halftime but allowed three second-half tries in a 16-4 loss to the Sydney Roosters in Redcliffe on Sunday.
Almost 8000 fans packed into the neutral venue to create an incredible atmosphere for the competition's first standalone final.
The scene helped push the case for further investment in the women's game ahead of the next season which begins late this year.
But Soward said committing his players, including Dally M Medal winner and RLPA player of the year Emma Tonegato, to another preseason in just eight weeks had proved a tricky balance in grand final week.
Having two seasons within a year - the 2021 season was delayed due to COVID-19 - has created exceptional circumstances for existing NRLW clubs.
But the decision to open contracting for the year's second season during the current one, rather than before or after, has created extra pressure on those clubs to protect their stars from circling rivals.
"The girls have to make decisions, we've sent out offers already and plan for that," Soward said.
"I don't understand the timing of it all; it's baffled me trying to sign them before a grand final and hassle their managers.
"I think it's something we've got wrong but we're hopeful of retaining most of the squad."
Dragons captain Kezie Apps rued missing a chance to add a title to her distinguished career but appreciated the moment.
"Unbelievable how much the game's progressed and how physical and skilful it is and today's game was the best yet," he said.
"It'll be even better in season two (later this year), it's going to be even bigger and better.
"Hopefully people can start making some noise for us to hopefully get those full-time contracts.
"It's a bit harder in the women's space, tossing up work, where they live, family, other commitments outside of clubs."
Soward lauded Apps' influence in helping the league reach its new high water mark.
"The face of the club has always been Kezie and the way she's led the club and played, there's nobody else I'd want beside me in battle," he said.
"She is a huge part of why female rugby league is as high as it's ever been, we love her and can't wait for next season."
