The women’s game took another step in that positive direction on Saturday when the Rams girls joined forces with the region’s all conquering under 16s and under 18s junior program, as well as Tim Ryan’s new-look under 23s, to take part in Western’s in-house training and NRL Welfare sessions at Apex Oval.

The Rams women’s coach, Skinner said her entire squad – including herself – benefited greatly from the experience of working alongside the likes of Byron Wilson and Rams under 16s coach Tony Woolnough.

On top of that, ex-Western back rower Kaitlyn Phillips was in Dubbo on Saturday to help put the Rams girls’ through their paces.

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Phillips will be ineligible for the March country championship having signed on to play rugby league in Sydney next year, but Skinner says Phillips is the perfect example of just how clear the path to the big smoke is.

“We’ve got a few away in a development camp for the All Stars game as well, but Kaitlyn coming to help out with our second-rowers was great,” Skinner said.

“Having those girls really boosts the confidence of the squad, and with a lot of young girls this season that’s important for us.

“I’m lucky people like Tony (Woolnough) are passionate about seeing the girls’ game grow. Byron’s the same and he offered so much for us all to learn. I value their input. I know I benefited from them being there.

Saturday's session was the first time Ryan’s under 23s squad got together ahead of their campaign next year.

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Orange CYMS’ gun Lachie Munro, Forbes Magpies premiership-winning five-eighth Mitch Burke and Group 10 title winners, Panthers duo Jed Betts and Josh Rivett were are all in attendance. 

For the women, Cargo star Heidi Regan as well as Bathurst St Pat’s speedster Meredith Jones lined-up for Western training.

“We’ve got a young squad so it was nice to see a few older Rams there, and the young girls come to give it a go,” Skinner added.

“There’s a lot of girls coming through and I think we’re really starting to see the best of Western.”