England Women head coach Stuart Barrow praises impact of new Betfred Women's Super League format with Grand Final and World Cup selection on the horizon

England Women head coach Stuart Barrow has praised the impact of the new Betfred Women's Super League split format ahead of this weekend’s semi-final and believes increased competition for places has raised standards across the game ahead of this year's Rugby League World Cup.

With the domestic season reaching its conclusion and World Cup selection fast approaching, the England head coach says the intensity of competition throughout the campaign has provided the ideal preparation environment for players.

"It's been really exciting, and I think the split has worked. It's brought a lot of interest from the public, kept eyes on the game and achieved everything we wanted it to before a World Cup.

"It's allowed a lot of players to compete against each other in intense games week after week. Some people have found that challenging and some have thrived in that environment, so it's been really interesting to watch. I've thoroughly enjoyed it, and it's coming to a climax now, which is exciting."

The positive feedback has also been reflected by the players themselves, who have welcomed the increased intensity and consistency of high-level competition.

"They've really enjoyed it. They've enjoyed playing tough games back-to-back and week after week. It's made them focus more on their rugby, training and recovery.

"They know it replicates what a World Cup could look like, so they've really embraced it."

England's coaching staff are now entering the final stages of the selection process, with 40 players already registered in the wider World Cup squad and just 23 places available for the tournament.

"There are a lot of questions being asked by players, and that's exciting because it means we've got genuine competition. We're having to think carefully about the balance of the squad, the challenges we'll face, what the opposition will bring and how we match up against them."

England will head into the tournament with recent experience of facing top international opposition, including Australia, and Barrow believes valuable lessons were learned from previous encounters.

"There were a lot of learnings from that game for both staff and players. I'd like to think the players who were involved have reflected on those experiences and looked at ways to improve this year.

"Australia and Samoa are both excellent teams, full of NRLW players and world-class talent. We have to identify what we believe can best compete against that, and that will play a part in the selection process."

The performances of England internationals in the NRLW have also given the coaching staff plenty to consider.

Georgia Roche, Holly-Mae Dodd and Fran Goldthorp have all impressed during the Australian season, while a number of Australia-based heritage players have also strengthened England's selection options.

"Georgia Roche has taken control in the halves for Newcastle Knights and is probably enjoying her best NRLW season so far.

"Holly-Mae Dodd has been used in a couple of different positions this year, which I think has really suited her game and helped her develop new skills.

"Fran Goldthorp has been excellent and exciting to watch, both at centre and full-back. Full-back is a position she particularly enjoys and she's performed really well there this season.

"We've also got some heritage players based in Australia who have put their hand up for World Cup selection. I've been over there, watched them perform and met with several players. A number of them are included in the 40-player squad and will be pushing hard for a place in the final 23."

While increased competition for places creates difficult decisions, Barrow believes it is a sign of the progress being made within the women's game.

"I do think it's raised the bar. At the same time, it's probably created a little anxiety for some players as well. They're experiencing the emotions and pressures they'll likely face going into a World Cup.

"Everyone knows they're competing for one of only 23 places on the plane, and there is genuine competition in every position. Nobody can be certain of selection.

"There will be disappointed players, and I'll have to make some very difficult phone calls, but that's the reality of elite sport.

"The margins between a lot of these players are incredibly small, and that's exactly what you want when you're selecting a squad. You want competition. You want the coaching and selection staff to have difficult decisions to make, and that's what all of the players are providing."

The Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final will take place at The Brick Community Stadium with Wigan Warriors set to face the winners of the semi-final between Leeds Rhinos and York Valkyrie which takes place tomorrow (18 September) live on Sky Sports.

Tickets are available here!