NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg confirmed details of the new competition on Wednesday, which will feature up to six teams playing in the lead-up to and during the NRL finals.

It was also announced that there will be a State of Origin match on the stand-alone representative weekend and Test matches for the Jillaroos in the Pacific and New Zealand.

Greenberg also announced that 40 players would be offered Jillaroos contracts, which would include match payments.

The NRL Women's Competition will feature up to six teams playing in the lead-up to and during the NRL finals.

"For the first time, there will be a dedicated pathway for our women to follow – from grassroots junior league, to State Competitions, and on to Premiership matches and representative Origin and Test match opportunities," Greenberg said.

"The Women's game has become an attraction in its own right and anyone who has seen the Jillaroos in action cannot help but be impressed by the skills and athleticism on display. 

"The NRL is determined to provide the right channels for women to follow and play rugby league – and today is a great starting point for that program."

The new women’s program unveiled on Wednesday will also feature:

- A stand-alone State of Origin match (formerly known as the Interstate Challenge) between New South Wales and Queensland, played during the NRL’s representative weekend in mid-June. 

- State League competitions, with Grand Finals to be played as double-headers prior to Women In League Round matches. 

- A National Championships Carnival and Talent Combine, congregating the best state talent on a national stage and providing a sequential pathway for female players to progress to the elite level. 

- The Jillaroos playing international matches in the Pacific and New Zealand. 

- The Jillaroos competing in the Commonwealth Games Championship in Redcliffe, ahead of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.