And, he’s in a strong position to back up that statement.

Ex-junior Jamie Feeney, who enjoyed a decorated NRL career with the Canterbury Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm from 1999 to 2006, played a major role in the Australian Jillaroos success at the recent World Cup.

The national side upstaged New Zealand 23-16 with former Muswellbrook Public School student Caitlin Moran also making headlines, after scoring a try, kicking three goals and landing a field goal in the tournament’s decider.

“It was a great honour to get a phone call from [coach] Brad Donald to be his assistant [12 months ago],” Feeney said.

“So, I jumped at the chance. 

“We named a squad of 30 in November [2016] and put the plans in place then.

“Everyone wanted to drive the standard of the [women’s] game forward.

“Even though it was one of the Jillaroos’ main goals to win the World Cup, it was also a chance to inspire the next generation of girls to play.

“And, I think they did that.

“League tag and CRL 9s is now the biggest area of growth in the code.

“It’s an exciting time.” 

Feeney, who won a premiership in 2004 when the Bulldogs defeated the Sydney Roosters 16-13, attracted the attention of Donald after guiding the NSW women’s and junior teams to historic successes in 2016.

“I’d been working with the NSWRL squad as the performance programs manager for the past three years,” he said.

“But, helping Brad was too good an opportunity to pass up.

“If you talk to people around the traps, they feel the men’s game is too structured and can be predictable at times.

“However, the girls are less trained and play what’s in front of them.

“They produce an exhilarating brand of football.

“From my point of view, it’s a great time to be involved [in women’s league].

“We need to be mindful of not growing it too fast, but ensure it develops at all levels.

“We’ve got to get the product right, which is our job as coaches, assistants, players and administrators.”

Despite making his NRL debut against the New Zealand Warriors at Telstra Stadium in 1999, Feeney still boasts strong ties to his old club – and hometown.

“Mum (Bronwyn) and dad (Steve) live at Muswellbrook, as do my partner’s family,” he said.

“I also keep in contact with the Rams via the Old Boys Day.

“In fact, I pulled on the boots for Muswellbrook [against Singleton] on Old Boys Day in 2016.

“It was great to see the Muswellbrook Ramettes win the Group 21 CRL Women’s 9s last week, too.”