The Auckland Women’s representative team will face the New Zealand Warriors Women in a pair of warm-up matches ahead of the NRL Women’s Premiership kicking off in September.

On Friday, August 10, the two sides will play as the curtain-raiser to the men’s NRL clash at Mount Smart Stadium, before they meet again two weeks later on August 25, at a venue which will be announced at a later date.

Auckland Rugby League General Manager Greg Whaiapu said the games will showcase the depth of quality currently playing in Auckland’s Farrelly Photos women’s competitions.

“The majority of the Warriors’ squad for the NRL competition will be made up of players from our competitions, and it’s going to be exciting to see so many of our women take the field together when they play against Auckland,” Whaiapu said.

“Earning an Auckland jersey is always an honour, and for the ladies selected it will serve as a reward for their efforts this season.

“It’s also another chance for them to show their talents and push their claims for higher honours next year.”

The matches are the latest addition to the Auckland Rugby League’s female programme, which this year has included opening up the renowned JETS Development Camp to girls, the introduction of a new U13 girls’ grade at club level and the Auckland Vulcans contesting the National Women’s Tournament.Later this season the ARL will also co-host an end-of-season women’s nine-aside tournament for clubs and tertiary institutions, and send Auckland Vulcans Development age-grade girls sides down to the Waikato for representative matches.