I see it's reported in the news this week that both Wigan and York are joining Leeds in paying their Women's team. Whilst there would still be some lure of playing for St Helens because of their status generally and the success of the women's team, it does feel like it will be increasingly difficult to maintain and develop the high standards the team has set if other teams are able to offer payment when we're not. The ladies coming across to play for us from Yorkshire in particular must be very dedicated to the cause when there are teams in Yorkshire who would pay them.
I guess it depends on the financial situation and the importance the club puts on this aspect of the game. Other clubs, I believe Huddersfield and Warrington, have confirmed they will not be paying their women's teams this year, so we wouldn't be alone in that by any means. But it would be good for this arm of the club to be strong and successful and I guess this is a big call for the club.