40 Qld women’s rugby league talents to watch hunting NRLW contracts
They are our future superstars – these players just need their shot. Meet 40 of the best Queensland women’s league players without NRLW deals. SEE THE FULL LIST
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They are the future stars of women’s rugby league – all they need now is their shot at the big time.
Meet 40 guns to watch in the 2023 BMD Premiership, the statewide competition which continues to deliver talent to the NRLW.
These players may not yet have a contract with any national side – though some have sampled life in the set-up – but they are the next batch of talents ready to fire when needed.
With the BMD Premiership kicking off, we introduce the 40 players set to star and on the hunt for NRLW deals.
Narikah Orchard
Club: Brisbane Tigers
Age: 27
Position: Second-row
Standing at more than180cm tall, Orchard poses a threat to any opposition she faces.
The second-rower is a dominant presence on-field, and will undeniably be a valuable asset to the Tigers line-up this season.
Orchard was named the Tigers’ BMD Premiership ‘Player of the Year’ in 2022, after making seven appearances during the season.
As we look ahead at the 2023 season, Orchard is one player to keep an eye on.
Tamika and Sienna Smith
Club: Tweed Seagulls
Age: 17
Position: Prop and halfback
While both are still members of the Seagulls under-19s squad, To’omaga is hopeful of earning approval to elevate the twin sisters into his QRLW squad.
With Tamika at prop and Sienna in the halves, the pair have showcased they have bright futures in the game.
Tamika in particular earned the praise of teammate and Jillaroos star Jaime Chapman.
“They were just amazing, the talent was just out of this world. They’re definitely up and coming; just their ball skills and ability, they were just all over amazing footy players,” Chapman said.
“We were just doing an opposed session and they were so competitive, and I feel like in the young girls you don’t really find that passion as easy as you do in the older women. “I think having that right now, that passion and competitiveness, they’re going to go a long way.”
Xanthe Topping
Club: Mackay Cutters
Age: 21
Position: Lock
A local to the area Topping is certainly one prospect that if selected into the NRLW would have the support of the entire community behind her.
Playing for Carltons Devils the young Lock will aim to impress staff and the league on her way to a potential NRLW contract.
Tahlulah Tillett
Club: Mackay Cutters
Age: 24
Position: Halfback
A member of the 2021 Newcastle Knights premiership side, the talented halfback will be one of the central figures for the Cutters in their chase for a premiership this season.
On the radar of an inaugural Cowboys berth next season Tillett, a two-time Indigenous All Stars representative, is one of the strongest talents in North Queensland.
Lailee Phillips
Club: Tweed Seagulls
Age: 23
Position: Hooker
At 23 Lailee Phillips is beginning to come into her own as a footballer. The young hooker now has two full QRLW seasons under her belt, bringing up 14 appearances for Tweed.
Her 2023.
While she missed her side’s season opener on Saturday, coach Lambros To’omaga has described her as the energetic influence a team needs at the ruck. “Lailee is or little pocket rocket, she loves to get out at hooker and has a good understanding of when to have a crack and she’s got our game plan down time.”
Dannii Perese
Club: Burleigh Bears
Age: 19
Position: Prop
Dannii Perese established herself as one of the Bears leading forwards last season, and her coach Scott Cooke has challenged her to find “more oomph” in pursuit of an NRLW deal.
The teenager was one of the pack’s leaders in 2022, averaging 93m and 16 tackles a game from eight appearances.
She started up front in the Bears round one win and will be eager to stay there as the expanded NRLW competition hunts the next generation of talent to bolster their stocks.
Mariah Storch
Club: CQ Capras
Age: 25
Position: Second row
The CQ Capras’ skipper capped a stellar 2022 season being named the Steph Hancock BMD Premiership Player of the Year.
Storch has won two NRLW titles with the Brisbane Broncos and her experience and knowledge of the game are an incredible asset to the Capras.
She is a leader on and off the field. Her work ethic is incredible; she regularly tops the tackle count and her never-say-die attitude inspires her teammates.
Frieda Seu
Club: Souths Logan Magpies
Age: 34
Position: Prop
Seu was one of if not the best prop in the competition last year. Her insane average metres per game as well as the post contact metres she racked up is all the proof you need.
She’s come out with a similar mentality in 2023, with one game under her belt this season, Seu has made six tackle breaks, and accrued 32 post contact metres.
Seu has never played for another premiership club, the mother of four a Souths faithful and senior leader.
She works full time including night shift but you best believe she never misses training- giving everything to the Magpies.
More on Seu, including her rise from third division league in 2017 to earning jersey No.18 in the inaugural 2018 Queensland Women squad playing in the State of Origin, here.
Mackenzie Reid
Club: CQ Capras
Age: 28
Position: Hooker
Dubbed “Miss Consistent”, Reid has been in the top three performers week in, week out for the past three years for the Capras.
She provides great service and has a great long pass which can open up defences.
She gets through a mountain of work in the middle and is at her best when her running game out of dummy half is on.
Theopheilia Mosby-Nona
Club: Mackay Cutters
Age: 19
Position: Prop
One of the best young talents in rugby league Mosby-Nona will play an integral role in both the winning culture and development of the game in the area.
A tremendous role model for her hometown of Yorke Island the 19-year-old Prop is known for breaking down tackles and splitting the field open which are both high sought-after attributes for any NRLW side.
Lillian Yarrow
Club: CQ Capras
Age: 18
Position: Forward
The Australian schoolgirls representative impressed in her BMD Premiership debut with the Capras in their Round 1 clash against Tweed Seagulls.
Touted as an NRLW star of the not too distant future, Yarrow continues to take great strides in her young career.
A genuine workhorse, she is a powerful runner and a solid defender with great tackle technique.
She plays with passion and determination, and gives 100 per cent at every training session and in every game.
Lauren Dam
Club: Norths Devils
Age: 26
Position: Centre
A powerful runner and skilled defender, Lauren Dam is expected to have a big year at centre for the Devils.
Dam made her NRLW debut for the Titans in early 2022 but has had a running battle with injury in recent time. Now back to full fitness, she is out to impress.
“She’s a powerful, powerful runner, skilful, defends really well,” said coach Zac Wallwork.
“I think she’ll have a really good year for us.
“She’s had a couple of injuries but hopefully we can get a full season out of her. I think she’ll go on to be really good.”
Essay Banu
Club: Mackay Cutters
Age: 20
Position: Prop
Essay Banu is a star of the future.
Born in PNG, raised in Tully where she did her schooling, Banu is coming off a huge 12 months.
She played for Wynnum-Manly last year and was named BMD Premiership prop of the year, represented PNG at the World Cup, and represented the Indigenous All Stars this year too.
Banu must be a high-level target for the inaugural Cowboys team on form alone, but right now, she’s not officially contracted, so will be highly-sought.
Georgia Wilson
Club: Souths Logan Magpies
Age: 25
Position: Wing
England International Georgia Wilson has found a home with the Magpies after shining for the Wigan Warriors.
The 25-year-old who hails from Cumbria scored 30 tries in 43 appearances for the Warriors (since joining in 2017), and has come down under for a shot at the big time.
Coach Maia Tua-Davidson said she has a goal and is willing to do everything to make it happen.
In 2022, Wilson was both the Players’ Player and Warrior of the Year at her club’s annual women’s awards evening before playing for England at the world cup.
Georgina Tuitaalili
Club: Norths Devils
Age: 19
Position: Second-row
Queensland under-19s representative Tuitaalili is knocking on the door of the NRLW.
She’s been in development academies before and represented her state, and the next frontier is to sign a contract and pull on a jersey in Australia’s leading league competition.
Tuitaalili will play in both the middle and edge forwards, a versatile approach which will get the most out of her strength, leg speed, power and quality defence.
One to watch.
Luisa Va’a
Club: Souths Logan Magpies
Age: 23
Position: Second-row
Blurb: Va’a and teammate Taulanga are two local stars from the Goodna Eagles.
Va’a is the definition of damaging in that No.12 jersey, the BMD youngster bending the opposition line with ease whenever given the chance to run free.
Belinda Gwasamun
Club: Norths Devils
Age: 27
Position: Centre
Fresh off representing Papua New Guinea at the Rugby League World Cup, Gwasamun has made immense sacrifice to pursue a NRLW contract.
She’s left her family at home in PNG and made the move to Bishop Park, where she will bring a game compared to PNG star Justin Olam to the Devils.
“Low to the ground, powerful, fast, extremely strong, good ball-runner, and has no fear,” Wallwork said.
“An all-round good athlete.”
She scored four tries in the Orchids’ huge 70-0 win against Brazil at the World Cup.
Breanna Eales
Club: Norths Devils
Age: 30
Position: Forwards
She might be a relative newcomer to the game, but Eales might just be built for the 13-player code.
A former Queensland touch representative, Eales brings her pace and agility to Bishop Par, but it is her toughness which stands out most.
“Breanna is built tough,” Wallwork said.
“She’s only been playing the game for 12 months. She’s a ball-playing lock, fast runner, strong, tough and tackles all day.
“Hopefully she can go on.”
Matekino Kahukoti-Gray
Club: Burleigh Bears
Age: 17
Position: Backrow
Making seven appearances off the bench in her debut season last year, Matekino Kahukoti-Gray now appears destined to take her game to new levels.
The Gold Coast Titans Women’s Under-19s Academy member has been earmarked by the NRLW club for higher honours in the future, and should the young backrower make her move into the starting side a contract could soon beckon.
Playing for roughly 28 minutes a game, the teenage phenom finished her maiden QRLW campaign averaging 14 tackles each contest — and remarkably only missed one attempt. Kahukoti-Gray’s credentials as a future star were announced as early as Round 2.
Despite the Seagulls going down to the Tigers 32-0, she still managed 83 running metres — 42 of which were post-contact — five tackle busts and 18 tackles.
A relative of Titans star Tazmin Gray and Canberra Raiders flyer Jordan Rapana, the young forward has plenty of quality teachers to learn from and will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with in 2023.
Natassja Purontakanen
Club: Norths Devils
Age: 30
Position: Second row
Purontakanen may be the player best-positioned to know what can be made – and lost – in the elite sporting world.
The former Queensland Reds convert made the jump to league, where she has spent time at several clubs, and while she has been contracted to the Dragons in the past injury has ruined her attempts to become a fixture in the NRLW.
“She played for the Reds, and was with the Dragons in the NRLW, then had two knee reconstructions,” Wallwork said.
“She’s worked on her body to get back into a Position to play footy again and now she’s having another crack at it.
“She’s a good line runner, good communicator, fit, and can play 80 minutes. Really good athlete in general.”
Nive Taulanga
Club: Souths Logan Magpies
Age: 22
Position: Fullback
A genuine grassroots talent, Taulanga just loves to run. At fullback, she can break things open with her vision and flare.
The excitement machine will be where the action is all year in the BMD premiership and is one for the little blackbook.
Rilee Jorgensen
Club: Burleigh Bears
Age: 17
Position: Backrow
It may be too early to assume Rilee Jorgensen will make an NRLW berth this year, given she is still just a teenager.
But the Titans Academy under-19s squad member has been scouted as a rising star for some time now, playing seven games for the Bears last year despite being just 16 at the time.
The 17-year-old edge forward played every game in the QRLW season from Round 2 onwards, playing 70 minutes as a starter in her first two outings before shifting back to the bench.
A try on debut to go along with a linebreak, four tackle busts, 135 running metres and even five goals highlighted the versatile skillset she brings to the table.
The Titans will be eager to keep her, given her place in the Academy ranks, but many will likely be keeping an eye on Jorgensen and how she fairs in the 2023 state competition.
Kim Hunt
Club: Wynnum-Manly Seagulls
Age: 30
Position: Centre
Hunt has been one of coach Ron Troutman’s best all preseason. This came as no surprise, Hunt was a solid performer last year in her first season with the Seagulls.
She can play on the wing, in the centres or at fullback, her biggest strength being her defence, leadership and mentality.
She works tirelessly at training and the 174cm No.3 is powerful in contact.
Brooke Saddler
Club: Tweed Seagulls
Age: 22
Position: Fullback/wing
She has been a member of the Titans NRLW system, but Brooke Saddler is still chasing the elite level dream. Is this the year she breaks out?
The 22-year-old fullback was limited to just two appearances for the Seagulls last year due to injury, however she still managed four tries in a telling statement of her abilities.
After scoring a hat-trick, making four linebreaks, setting up a try and making six tackle busts in the season opener against eventual champions, the Gold Stars, Saddler was not seen again until Round 6 — another try scoring effort in a 22-10 defeat to the Capras.
She was signed to the Titans extended squad, however did not take the field for the blue and yellow in 2022.
A lethal ball runner who has proven challenging to defend (11 tackle busts in her two games last year), Saddler could easily prove the perfect fullback for one of the new NRLW outfits should she feel her pathway on the Gold Coast is blocked by the likes of Evania Pelite for the number one jumper.
Sienna Lofipo
Club: Wynnum-Manly Seagulls
Age: 17
Position: Halfback
Lofipo has been superb in the Harvey 19s this season and now she has been given a shot in the BMD, the half earning the call up for this week’s round 2 clash against the Magpies.
She touches the ball more than anyone, plays hard and fast, leads her team around the paddock and controls the game expertly.
Something BMD coach Ron Troutman has been looking for- Lofipo has structure in spades.
She’s a great runner and a great footballer and so is her sister Jayda, who will run on at prop alongside Sienna.
Emma Barnes
Club: Wynnum-Manly Seagulls
Age: 18
Position: Hooker
Barnes made her debut in BMD and impressed instantly, and this year in the 19s she has continued to get better at the hooker position.
The rakes has shown tremendous improvement, her awareness around the ruck and knowing when to run and when not to run aspects she has acing so far this year.
Barnes will be back in the BMD in no time.
Sophie Buller
Club: Burleigh Bears
Age: 22
Position: Lock
So close was Sophie Buller to a debut in Titans colours, having been promoted to the main squad on the eve of the 2022 season.
The hard running lock was called into the top squad after Tazmin Gray and Emily Curtain were ruled out for the campaign due to injury, however she is yet to make her NRLW debut. Buller shone for Burleigh last season, scoring a try and making a linebreak in each of the opening four games and averaging 86 running metres and 16 tackles a game.
At 22, and with four new NRLW clubs joining the 2023 season, Buller’s experience and no nonsense approach could prove to be the perfect addition to one the new clubs should she not secure another Titans contract.
Destiny Mino-Sinapati
Club: Wynnum-Manly Seagulls
Age: 17
Position: Fullback
The Wynnum-Manly talent in the junior ranks is something else and it is Sinapati leading the charge from fullback.
She’s a natural talent with speed and a dazzling step. Indeed the Marsden SHS alumni has been carving up the Harvey 19s and it is all because of her confidence. The No.1 is beaming with it.
Jaida Faleono
Club: Tweed Seagulls
Age: 18
Position: Lock/Prop
The opportunities on offer in women’s rugby sevens could ensure Jaida Faleono has a tough decision to make once she graduates out of the Tweed under-19s program. But as a member of the Titans Academy as well, there is plenty for the young forward to look towards.
Faleono has played plenty of representative rugby union and 7s, however in her opening two games for the Seagulls she has shown an aggressive running game that belies her age. Scoring a try on debut and running for an average of 105m a game, Faleono can play anywhere in the forward pack and does so with flair and aggression.
Takiyah Nagas
Club: Brisbane Tigers
Age: 21
Position: Prop
Nagas has been in the rugby league world since the age of 11, and has long-since dreamed of reaching the top levels.
While she hasn’t quite cracked the NRLW yet, Nagas is sure to be a gunning player on everyone’s radar this BMD Premiership season.
Originally from Bundaberg, she debuted for the Panthers in 2020 and has signed with the Tigers for 2023.
Sarah Field
Club: CQ Capras
Age: 23
Position: Five-eighth
Field joined the CQ Capras this year after playing a leading role in the North Queensland Gold Stars BMD Premiership title win last year.
A two-time Indigenous All Stars representative, she is a gifted footballer with a thorough understanding of the game.
She has creativity and vision in attack and defensively, is very strong and loves to tackle.
Zoe Cook
Club: Mackay Cutters
Age: 21
Position: Second-row
Although young Zoe Cook is one of the more senior heads in the side after being a part of the Premiership winning gold stars last year.
Having been involved with the Cowboys the young Second Rower is certainly on the radar and in front of NRLW scouts.
Chanelle Kohika-Skipper
Club: Brisbane Tigers
Age: 26
Position: Five-Eighth
With the nickname ‘Nelly’ following her around, Kohima-Skipper is happy to be back on-field in 2023, wearing the trusty orange and black jersey she’s always loved.
After suffering an ACL injury in 2021, she returns as Co-Captain of the side in the best of spirits.
Kohika-Skipper wears the Five-Eight jersey and will play a vital role for the Tigers, using her natural leadership and years of experience to guide them through the season.
Chloe Buttigieg
Club: Mackay Cutters
Age: 21
Position: Prop
Originally from Townsville Buttigieg has been brought further south to bolster the prop stocks for the Cutters.
Agile and quick Buttigieg is without an NRLW contract as it stands however a breakout season this year could put her in a position to be on the radar.
Portia Bourke
Club: Brisbane Tigers
Age: 23
Position: Centre
A young recruit from the Valley Diehards, Bourke is expected to be a key asset of the Tigers 2023 campaign.
Playing Centre, she was a crucial part of her 2022 team’s minor premiership success.
Bourke’s talent is a reflection of her father, David Bourke, whose footsteps she proudly follows.
Rhiannon Revell-Blair
Club: Mackay Cutters
Age: 21
Position: Winger
Rhiannon Revell-Blair is a dynamic winger who can offer both pace and game smarts to the innagural cutters women’s team this year.
Currently, on the quieter side of the NRLW radar, the Queensland native could be one to explode onto the scene if the right opportunities and game time presents themselves to her.
Bree Spreadborough
Club: CQ Capras
Age: 24
Position: Winger
Spreadborough is one of the strongest – and fastest – kick returners in the women’s game.
She is always looking for the tough runs, making valuable metres when the team needs them most, and without fail breaks at least one tackle.
She gets the Capras’ sets started on the right foot with a strong carry and fast play the ball.
Kelsey Parkin
Club: Brisbane Tigers
Age: 23
Position: Hooker
Parkin has signed with Tigers for 2023, marking her return to the game with her longtime club.
It comes just 10 months after giving birth to her son in 2022.
Despite the early-season nerves kicking in, Parkin said she is proud to be donning the orange and black once again.
She will return as Hooker for her side, and is set to be a key playmaker every time she steps on the field.
While juggling motherhood and a playing career, Parkin is also studying a Bachelor of Primary Education.
Felice Quinlan
Club: Burleigh Bears
Age: 24
Position: Centre
A try scoring machine who is just itching for an opportunity at the top. Felice Quinlan announced herself as a force to be reckoned with in Round 6 last year, when she ran in four tries to help the Bears thump Souths Logan 44-12.
In that contest the 24-year-old was credited with four linebreaks, five tackle busts and 132 running metres as well as a try assist. Quinlan scored in each of her final four clashes in the season, ending with seven tries from six appearances as well as eight linebreaks, four try assists and an average of 84m a game.
Her first stint at this level is now done and dusted. Another strong output could be her ticket to an NRLW berth.
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