Hilder steps down as Origin coach
True Blue Kylie Hilder today confirmed she would not be seeking reappointment as the Westpac NSW Women’s Origin coach after an historic four-year stint.
Hilder, who was appointed to the role in 2021 and won the 2022 campaign, has been at the forefront of significant advancements in the women’s Origin arena, including the introduction of a three-game series for the first time this year.
“I felt it was time for a change for the team, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and privilege of coaching the NSW Women’s Origin team over the past four years and I take a lot of pride in the contribution I have been able to make in that short time,” Hilder said.
“To see women’s Origin grow from one game when I started coaching to a three-game series this year is a monumental achievement for the game and speaks volumes about the incredible talent pool in the women’s ranks.
“It also says a lot about the work that is being done at NSWRL in our pathways programs to develop genuine player depth at all levels, preparing them for NRLW and Origin honours.”
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden paid tribute to Hilder for her contribution to the NSW Women’s Origin program as a player (4 games) and coach (7 games).
“History will recognise the pivotal contribution which Kylie has made to our game as a player, coach and pathways administrator at one of the most important times in the development of the women’s game,” Trodden said.
“Our organisation owes her a great debt and her contribution will continue to deliver benefits to the game in her role as Female Pathways Manager.”
Trodden said Expressions of Interest would now be called for a new coach to lead the team in the second three-game series in 2025, which will kick off on Thursday 1 May at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. The other matches, announced today, will be played on Thursday 15 May (Allianz Stadium, Sydney) and Thursday 29 May (McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle).
Hilder will continue in her role as NSWRL Female Pathways Manager which will see her work with 35 of the game’s bright new talent in a four-week Westpac Emerging NSW Girls Academy starting Wednesday 20 November at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence at Sydney Olympic Park.