Rookie Orange CYMS fullback ready to tackle 'exciting' PMPW revolution

Williams will run out for Orange CYMS in the opening match of the Peter McDonald Premiership Women's (PMPW) against Mudgee Dragons on Sunday, May 25.

Five clubs will contest the first edition of the PMPW - CYMS, Dragons, Dubbo CYMS and WWRL sides Wiradjuri Goannas and Castlereagh Cougars.

Ten games will be played before a four-week finals series and grand final will be held on the same day as the PMP grand finals on Sunday, September 7.

The CYMS league tag captain and netball player has taken on some new challenges in 2025, playing two new sports for the first time.

"I have never played league before but I am in my first year of rugby union with Orange Emus so I am hoping the skills I've learnt there will transfer across," she said.

"I am expecting intense, fast-paced games with lots of run-away tries - especially from our CYMS girls."

The movement for tackle footy for women has slowly been growing in recent years.

The Western Women's Rugby League competition has run in Spring since 2020 and in 2024, Group 10 trialled a junior tackle option for girls, alongside league tag.

Williams, who was one of the first players to sign up for PMPW, said she hoped the league would grow into a fully-fledged competition.

"It's so exciting to see all the hard work happening behind the scenes finally come to life," she said.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for girls in the Central West to showcase their rugby league talents on a bigger stage.

"The development of this competition highlights the incredible depth of talent in our region and provides a platform for that passion and potential to shine and continue to grow

"It would be great to have the PMPW competition grow to run alongside the boys, and with the interest CYMS received on such short notice I believe it is a real possibility.

"I think once this season is up and running, more girls will wanna get involved with their club which will help us to extend to a full competition."

CYMS will boast one of the strongest line-ups with the likes of Western Rams players Kiara Sullivan, Holly Jones and Cheynoah Amone.

"With the likes of Kiara Sullivan, Ella Barrett, Holly Jones and Cheynoah Amone who are all big stars in the WWRL competition, it is obvious they will stand out," Williams said.

"But honestly, I am so excited to see all of our girls in action, I think all of them will bring something that'll excite the spectators.

"I just want to say a massive thank you to all of those involved in the tedious process of getting this competition up and running.

"I know it wasn't easy, but without their persistence, we would not have this opportunity to make history for girls' rugby league."