NRLW transfer centre: 2024 final squads locked in, player movements from every club revealed

Fresh from a pre-Olympics rugby camp in France, rising New Zealand Black Ferns star Rosie Kelly has signed a one-year deal with the Parramatta Eels. SEE FINALISED NRLW SQUADS AND CONTRACT LENGTHS FOR 2024

New Zealand Black Ferns star Rosie Kelly has signed with the Eels. Picture: Supplied

Parramatta have landed the latest cross-code convert with rising New Zealand Black Ferns star Rosie Kelly signing a one-year deal.

The 24-year-old has returned to Australia from a pre-Olympics camp in France and has already begun pre-season training with the Eels.

“Signing a player of Rosie’s ability is great news for our club and Parramatta Eels fans,” said new coach Steve Georgallis.

“Rosie will bring plenty of strike power to our outside backs and we know her expertise and passion will have a flow on affect across the squad.”

It’s Kelly’s first switch into rugby league, but she joins a handful of sevens players to join the rival code for the upcoming NRLW season which starts in a fortnight.

Black Ferns teammate Stacey Wakka will join the Broncos for her first NRLW season after the Olympics, while Tyla King will join the Dragons after making her rugby league debut for the club last year.

It follows a growing trend of talent flooding women’s rugby league in search of consistent game time, more exposure and healthy wages.

“Playing in the NRLW is an exciting challenge in my career and I look forward to getting to know the girls,” Kelly said.

“There’s a couple of players in the Eels NRLW who I know from international rugby, and I hope to help our debutants and young Harvey Norman pathway players to achieve their goals.“

The Eels will start NRLW trials this weekend before kicking off the season against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on July 27.

Long-term NRLW deals up 200% as final squads are locked in

In the past 12 months, long-term contracts have increased across the NRLW by 200 per cent according to figures released by the NRL.

Finalised squads and contract lengths for the 2024 NRLW season were confirmed on Tuesday, revealing 15 players have been signed for the next four seasons.

That number is a dramatic jump compared to this time last year, when just five players were signed until the end of 2027.

Two-time premiers Newcastle had four of the five, including Tamika Upton, Hannah and Jesse Southwell and Georgia Roache, but they’ve added rising prop Jacinta Carter to the list, who has mutual options for 2026 and 2027.

Knights star Tamika Upton is one of 15 NRLW players contracted until the end of 2027. Picture: NRL Photos

NSW star Caitlan Johnston has also benefited from hot form in the past two seasons, signing with Cronulla from 2025 until the end of 2027.

Competition newcomers Canberra are next with rep trio Grace Kemp, Simaima Taufa and Sophie Holyman signed until 2027, while the Roosters have star centre Jess Sergis locked in too.

Up north, Brisbane now have three players signed for the next four seasons in Queensland Origin stars Julia Robinson, Keilee Joseph and Romy Teitzel, while the Titans have also opted for stability in their grand final squad with Jessika Elliston and Shannon Mato on board.

Across the game, 30 players are signed for the next three seasons including club, player and mutual options.

It comes as pre-season is underway for the 2024 season, which kicks off on July 25.

It’s the last 10-team competition before the NRLW expands to 12 teams with the Warriors and Bulldogs in 2025.

DRAGONS SIGN QLD VETERAN AS SQUADS ARE FINALISED

Pioneer women’s rugby league player Steph Hancock has made the surprising decision to head to Sydney for what will likely be her final season of NRLW.

The 42-year-old has signed with the Dragons for the 2024 season, marking the first time she will play rugby league with a sole focus after the Queensland Police Force allowed her time off her full-time job to travel. This is her second stint at the club.

Hancock made her Test debut for Australia in 2003 and debut for the Maroons in what was the interstate challenge in 2004.

When the NRLW was formed in 2018 she was immediately signed to the Brisbane Broncos for two years, before playing with the Dragons in 2020 and the Titans from 2021-23.

NRLW Ultimate Guide: Players to watch in 2024 season who will shape premiership race

“I’m extremely happy to be in the same team as Teagan ‘Flash’ Berry that’s for sure,” Hancock said.

“I’ve been around a while. The club has given me an opportunity that I honestly didn’t expect. To repay them, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the playing squad on and off the field and hopefully inspire the next generation to want to play rugby league at the Dragons.”

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE EVERY MOVE OF THE NRLW OFF-SEASON

Meanwhile, the 10 current NRLW clubs are finalising their rosters following the end of the NSWRL junior reps season and the final of the QRL women’s competition.

With the 2024 season just around the corner, here’s a look at the big moves already made and the ones yet to shape the future of the women’s game.

Here is a full list of NRLW player movements for the 2024 season that kicks off on July 25.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL NRLW FIXTURE LIST

Brisbane Broncos

2023 result: 4th, semi final

Coach: Scott Prince

Off-season movement: The Broncos have had a busy off-season, locking down some of their biggest names including Queensland Origin stars Romy Teitzel and Julia Robinson until the end of 2027. The pair are locked in for the longest among the group. They also signed Keilee Joseph from the Roosters on a two-year deal. Meanwhile, try-scoring sensation Mele Hufanga as well as Gayle Broughton, Neta Nu’uausala, Tafito Lafaele, Chelsea Lenarduzzi have all extended their deals with the club through to the end of 2025.

What they need: The Broncos have eight players off contract coming into this season but the bulk of their starting 17 and rising stars are all locked up long term. They’ve opted for stability in the squad for the coming seasons, and their big name players like skipper Ali Brigginshaw, Broughton, Teitzel and Robinson are all locked in for at least the next two seasons, which means they’re off limits for the incoming expansion clubs.

Canberra Raiders

2023 result: 5th

Coach: Darrin Borthwick

Off-season movement: After an encouraging first season in the NRLW, the Raiders have re-signed co-captains Simaima Taufa (2027) and Zahara Temara (2026) as well as cross-code converts Grace Kemp and Sophie Holyman until the end of 2027. Shakiah Tungai, Tommaya Kelly-Sines and Kerehitina Matua as well as rising players Alanna Dummett, Georgia Willey, Jaida Faleono, Tatiana, Finau and Relna Wuruki-Hosea all signed one-year contract extensions too. In the recruitment space, they landed NSW Kiwi Ferns forward Amelia Pasikala from the Roosters until 2025, as well as utility Sereana Naitokatoka from Cronulla for 2024 to finalise their squad. Coach Darrin Borthwick has also re-signed until the end of 2027 to give the club crucial stability in the women’s program.

What they need: As well the re-signed players, Pasikala, Emma Barnes and Cheyelle Robins-Reti are the only others signed to multi-year deals with the club. The bulk of last year’s squad is off contract at the end of the season which frees up the club to hit the open market depending on their success this season. They are probably short another speedy outside back, but the freedom in the squad will allow the club to build.

Cronulla Sharks

2023 result: 6th

Coach: Tony Herman

Off-season movement: The Sharks have been rapidly building for the future, landing two-time premiership winning prop Caitlan Johnston from the Knights. The international and NSW Origin star joined the club in 2025 until the end of 2027. As for this season, ex-Origin forward Filomina Hanisi has joined the club on a one-year deal, and they re-signed prop Ellie Johnston to a two-year extension through to the end of 2026. Fullback Jada Taylor is recovering from an off-season shoulder reconstruction but has also extended her time with the club through until the end of 2026 (with an option for 2027). Former Australia Rugby Sevens playmaker Georgia Hannaway has also signed on a three-year NRLW deal. Since the switch back to rugby league she’s been playing at five-eighth, which creates much needed competition for spots.

What they need: With Johnston joining in 2027 they have experience upfront but they need a game manager in the halves. Halfback Tayla Preston is off contract at the end of this season and Maddie Studdon hasn’t been re-signed either. Emma Tonegato plays fullback at representative level but has slotted into five-eighth with Taylor in the No.1 jersey. But while Tonegato is still learning the five-eighth position, the Sharks are juggling ways to improve next season.

Gold Coast Titans

2023 result: 3rd, grand finalists

Coach: Karyn Murphy

Off-season movement: The 2023 grand finalists have re-signed rising star Rilee Jorgensen as well as star forwards Jessika Elliston, Georgia Hale and Shannon Mato on long term deals. Queensland dummy half Lauren Brown, NSW centre Jaime Chapman and rising talent Dannii Perese are the only other players in the squad signed to a multi-year deal with a handful of others with options for 2025. Brittany Breayley-Nati and Karina Brown have both re-signed for 2024 too. However, they’ve already had their share of injuries too with Destiny Mino-Sinapati, Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Ivana Lolesio going down with season-ending knee injuries. Veteran Steph Hancock hasn’t yet signed a new deal either, which means 2023 could have been her last.

What they need: They stunned the competition with a huge season in 2023 but maintaining success will be the challenge. Jillaroos star and powerhouse fullback Evania Pelite is off contract at the end of the season and she’ll be a prime target for rival clubs, especially the Warriors and Bulldogs when they join the competition in 2025. International and NSW teammate Shaylee Bent is also off-contract at the end of the season but expected to re-sign after her partner David Fifita recommitted to the club too.

Newcastle Knights

2023 result: 1st, premiers

Coach: Ben Jeffries

Off-season movement: Losing Caitlan Johnston is a big one for the Knights, but they’ll get one last season with her upfront before having to find a replacement in 2025. Jasmin Strange has also returned to the Knights, but otherwise there hasn’t been a heap of movement at the NRLW premiers in the playing roster. New coach Ben Jeffries, who joins from the Cowboys, has finalised his squad which also includes New Zealand netballer and ex-Rugby 7s convert Grace Kukutai, fellow Super Rugby convert Isabella Waterman and teenage five-eighth Evie Jones.

What they need: They’ve won the past two NRLW premierships and lost just two games in that space of time, so they don’t have many holes to fill. All their biggest stars and spine players, Tamika Upton (2027), Olivia Higgins (2026), Jesse Southwell (2025), Hannah Southwell (2025), Yasmin Clydsdale (2025) and Georgia Roche (2027) are all signed long term, while the remainder of the squad are off-contract at the end of this season and ripe for the picking for NRLW rivals.

North Queensland Cowboys

2023 result: 9th

Coach: Ricky Henry

Off-season movement: Speedy winger Jakiya Whitfeld was one of the first new signings ahead of the 2024 NRLW season and comes to the club after an impressive stint with the Wests Tigers with hopes of playing fullback. Prop Harata Butler also signed for two seasons after playing 2023 with Cronulla. The biggest move has been coach Ben Jeffries to Newcastle, with New Zealand international coach Ricky Henry joining as head coach for 2024.

What they need: Whitfeld (2026), Kirra Dibb (2026), Butler (2025), Emma Manzelmann (2025), China Polata (2025) and Krystal Blackwell (2025) are the only players signed beyond the end of this season, which leaves the door open for change at the Cowboys after a tough first season of NRLW. The addition of Butler will add some power to their pack, but they had an alarming struggle for depth in the forward pack last year which needs desperately fixing. April Ngatunpuna and Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly have left the club.

Parramatta Eels

2023 result: 10th (last)

Coach: Steve Georgallis

Off-season movement: Backline stars Abbi Church and Cassey Tohi-Hiku re-signed through until the end of 2026 as well as rising back-rower Boss Kapua. Dual international Mahalia Murphy was also locked in until the end of 2025. Young dummy half Rueben Cherrington has signed on for 2024 after debuting with the club in 2022. Otherwise, there’s been little movement on the Eels roster after a disappointing season last year, which leaves new coach Steve Georgallis with a huge job. Nakia Davis-Welsh, Pihuka Berryman-Duff, Shannon Muru, Shontelle Stowers and Talesha O’Neill are all off contract.

What they need: The Eels were crippled with some tough injuries last season but there was a lack of depth upfront without PNG international prop Elsie Albert on the field. NSW and Australia star Kennedy Cherrington was also suspended for four matches for a spear tackle which added further pressure to the squad. Few players are left on the open market for 2024, but the Eels need to lock down some young, tough and skilful forwards to allow NSW Origin halfback Rachael Pearson to do her thing with the ball.

St George Illawarra

2023 result: 7th

Coach: Jamie Soward

Off-season movement: Hooker Renee Targett retired from the NRLW at the end of last season, while Cheynoah Amone, Cortez Te Pou, Kaarla Cowan, Roxette Murdoch, Sarah Riordan, Taylor Mapusua and Maddison Weatherall all remain off-contract. Tarsha Gale Cup winning stars Kasey Reh, Charlotte Basham and Bronte Wilson were all upgraded to NRLW deals. Reh, who captained the Steelers to their 24-12 grand final victory, joins the NRLW squad on a three-year contract with Wilson and Basham both on one-year deals. New Zealand rugby union convert Tyla King (nee Nathan Wong) also re-signed on a new deal which will see the 29-year-old remain at the club until at least the end of the 2025 season, while Zali Hopkins (2025), Margot Vella (2025), and Keele Browne (2024) have all recommitted ahead of the pre-season.

What they need: The Dragons were another club that struggled with depth in 2023, and their young forward pack were dominated by more experienced players across the game. Superstar fullback Teagan Berry is locked in until the end of 2025, while halfback Raecene McGregor is also signed for the next two seasons. They both have the talent to create something out of nothing, but they need dynamite forwards, including a reliable dummy half, to make their job a bit easier.

Sydney Roosters

2023 result: 2nd, semi final

Coach: John Strange

Off-season movement: The Roosters have signed Jasmin Strange and Tiana Davison from the Knights as well as US rugby sevens representative Liz Tafuna, who was spotted by recruits at the NRL’s Talent Combine in Las Vegas earlier this year. She’s set to become the first American to play in the NRLW. Their biggest loss is Queensland and Australia lock Keilee Joseph to the Broncos, who leaves after three seasons at the club. Amelia Pasikala has joined the Raiders, while former Wallaroos captain Grace Hamilton is also without an NRLW contract for 2024, having returned to rugby union in the off-season.

What they need: The Roosters are stacked with state and international stars, needing nothing but depth and a bit of luck to go all the way in 2024. NSW hooker Keeley Davis is off contract at the end of the season and will be in demand. Joseph was one of their main metre-eaters as well as averaging 27 tackles a game too, so they’ll need to replace that workload in the pack. Some of that will come from Amber Hall, who missed the entire 2023 season with a lisfranc injury after joining the club from the Broncos.

Wests Tigers

2023 result: 8th

Coach: Brett Kimmorley

Off-season movement: The Tigers notably lost star winger Jakiya Whitfeld to the Cowboys, who was a genuine spark for the team last season. However, they’ve recruited strongly, signing rugby sevens player Claudia Nielsen, Tonga forward Natasha Penitani, sister of Jillaroo and NSW star Tiana, and Harmony Crichton, the 19-year-old sister of Bulldogs skipper Stephen. They also extended Rikeya Horne, Losana Lutu and Salma Nour for another two seasons, while Eliza Siilata, Jessica Kennedy and Imogen Gobran were handed one-year extensions for 2024.

What they need: Guns Kezie Apps, Sarah Togatuki are locked in until the end of 2025, while Botille Vette-Welsh is off contract at the end of this season. The loss of Whitfeld is huge. She provided spark and speed on the edge which created another attacking threat out wide. However, they have plenty of young talent to develop. A star halfback with experience could help pull it all together with Lutu still learning her trade at five-eighth.

Canterbury Bulldogs (2025 addition)

Off-season movement: The Bulldogs were granted an NRLW license in March and the club has started discussions on how best to build their squad. That will be made easier by their healthy pathways. The Bulldogs beat the Wests Tigers 36-0 in the under-17s Lisa Fiola Cup recently, and they finished in the grand final of the NSWRL women’s premiership last season.

What they need: Sharks halfback Tayla Preston has played in the Harvey Norman women’s premiership for the Bulldogs, as have the Cherrington sisters Rueben and Kennedy and a handful of other Parramatta players. While Eels skipper Kennedy is contracted until the end of 2025, Rueben is currently off contract and Preston is signed at the Sharks for this season but has yet to extend for 2025. An experienced halfback is a good place to start building a squad, especially if they choose to bring through locally developed talent.

Warriors (2025 addition)

Off-season movement: The Warriors have also begun discussions on how best to recruit, but they have the advantage of existing relationships with players, coaches and managers from their previous seasons in the NRLW. When the Warriors exited the competition back in 2021, they had their pick of New Zealand representative stars, many of whom vowed to return to the Warriors if they ever came back into the competition.

What they need: Roosters prop and Kiwi Ferns international Amber Hall is off contract at the end of 2024 and should be a prime target, while Laishon Albert-Jones, Abigail Roache, Apii Nicholls and Mackenzie Wiki are also available in 2025. Wiki currently plays at Canberra, but her family are still in New Zealand and as a rising talent she would be the perfect fit. The Warriors may also cash in on a growing trend of players switching codes, and following the Paris Olympics later this year it could be the best time to snare Rugby 7s players ready to transfer into rugby league.

Originally published as NRLW transfer centre: 2024 final squads locked in, player movements from every club revealed