YORK Valkyrie star Hollie-Mae Dodd is expected to make the move down under to the Telstra National Women’s Rugby League Premiership this spring.

The Press understands that Dodd will link up with Canberra Raiders and play her part in what is being hailed as a new dawn of women’s rugby league in the country.

This year will mark the inaugural year for the Raiders’ women’s team, with the club already meaning business, having announced the acquisitions of two-time World Cup winner Simiama Taufa, Sydney Roosters’ Zahara Temara, and former St George Illawara Dragons star Monalisa (Iosia) Soliola earlier this month.

Canberra are one of four new clubs embarking on their debut seasons in the league, alongside the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers, who will form a new 10-team league with the Dragons, Roosters, Gold Coast Titans, Newcastle Knights , Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos.

Such is the appetite for women’s rugby in Australia, this season clubs have agreed a groundbreaking $6 million (£3.2 million) agreement that will see players earn a minimum of $30,000 (£16,000) in 2023, rising to more than $50,000 (£26,800) by 2027.

Whilst those figures mean that players are likely to have to find employment alongside their playing careers, salaries are almost double those offered in 2022.

England international Dodd was a standout for the Valkyrie in a loose forward position against reigning champions Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Women’s Super League, crossing for the third of York’s tries as they sensationally triumphed 34-12 in front of a record crowd at Headingley Stadium.