FORMER York Valkyrie star Hollie-Mae Dodd is set to make her debut in the Telstra National Women’s Rugby League Premiership this weekend.

The 19-year-old, who can play either at loose forward or in the second row, made history in April after becoming the first English woman to sign a professional deal down under.

And after three long months, she now looks set to make her debut for new club Canberra Raiders against Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Women in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The match will see both teams embark upon their inaugural fixtures in the competition as two of its four new teams alongside West Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers.

Such are the strides being made in the sport in Australia, clubs have agreed a groundbreaking $6 million (£2.3 million) deal that will see players’ minimum wages increase from $30,000 (£16,000) to $50,000 (£26,800) by 2027.

Dodd had made a lightning start to the year with tries in both the Valkyrie’s two opening fixtures against fellow heavyweights Leeds Rhinos and St Helens, as well as a brace in England’s 64-0 rout of France before moving down under.