Tarsha Gale Cup 2025 season preview: Rolling season preview for all 13 competing teams
The Tarsha Gale Cup is the premier NRLW pathway bringing together the best female U19s talent in the country. We preview the upcoming 2025 season, continuing with the Canberra Raiders.
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The Tarsha Gale Cup is the premier pathway to the NRLW with the best U19s female talent across the country coming together in NSW.
Since the transformation to a 13-a-side competition, many have made the leap to the next level.
This year 13 teams will be looking for their shot at glory, and we will progressively preview all teams in the lead up to round one.
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Nicole Fleming
Last season: 7th (4-4)
Why they will be competitive: Canberra weren’t far off the pace last season and could well have played finals footy if not for several narrow defeats.
“Last year was a building year and now for the first time we have a group of 15-17s development players filtering through to Tarsha Gale,” said Raiders coach Nicole Fleming. “So hopefully the upward trend is set to continue.
“At times last season we were guilty of not playing out the entire game, so there has been a major focus on concentrating from the kick off and seeing out the match.”
Aided by talent selected from well attended coaching programs within the club’s regional footprint, the Canberra squad is a healthy mix of locals and out of town players.
“We have seven girls returning from last season and the rest are from the club’s development programs,” said Fleming.
“There are five in the squad from Melbourne who were selected after being identified in our Albury Thunder training program. It’s just one of many success stories from the out of town run programs.”
Key fixture: Wests Tigers (round two). After falling short in three of their opening four encounters last season, the Raiders paid the price by just falling to make the finals.
One of those defeats was a winnable match against the Tigers. Eager to jump out of the blocks in 2025, this season’s re-match on the road shapes as a pivotal encounter.
Players to watch: Mila Ah Key is a mobile middle forward with handy ball skills. An U17s Country rep, the local is a product of the Monaro Colts. One of the Melbourne brigade, Katelyn Faifili-Boon is a strong ball-playing lock who has relocated to Canberra.
In the halves, Canberra local Sabrina Marela is a skilled and knowledgeable five-eighth. Melbourne halfback Summer Luamanu is on a Raiders scholarship, and the reliable No.7 brings a sound kicking game.
Down back, Elise Simpson is a familiar face returning from last season’s squad. Electric in the No.1 jersey, the humble fullback is one to keep an eye on in open space.
Squad: TBA
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Nic Wolfgramm
Last season: Prelim finalists (7-1)
Why they will be competitive: Canterbury has built a strong female pathway in recent years and they have a grand final and preliminary final appearance over the past two years to show for it.
Their squad will be boosted by a few Lisa Fiaola premiership winners plus those with HNWP experience that will again put them right in the frame when the business end of the season comes around.
“Some of those girls are true leaders. To be able to go back and take that into the Tarsha Gale side (is very valuable),” female football operations manager Lauren Milner said.
“We’ve also got three of our Tarsha Gale girls signed to top-24 NRLW contracts, so we’ve got a good group of experience plus some of those Lisa Fiaola girls that have moved up as well.
“We had a young side last year and while we have a couple of those younger girls come up from Fiaola, now we’ve got more experience of girls being of that true age.
“We’ve recruited a couple of players in where we’ve needed extra experience. Nic’s brought in a wealth of knowledge. He’s new to our program but is an incredibly good coach.
“I think we’ve got that little bit of extra experience to get us that one step further this year.
“We’ve built such a strong pathway for a few years now that we didn’t need the NRLW to attract extra players, but it definitely does help to be able to give girls that full pathway from Lisa Fiaola and our development squads right to the top.
“We’ve been focused on building from the bottom up and making sure in a few years we don’t need to buy players for NRLW, they’ll just keep rolling through our pathways.”
Key fixture: Parramatta Eels (Away, Round 9). A road trip to finish the regular season and by the time it rolls around it could be a very important fixture. The Bulldogs are likely to be in the finals race and a win over the Eels would give a huge boost to their side entering the post-season.
Players to watch: Pauline Suli-Ruka has secured an NRLW contract and is coming off a fantastic year as a middle forward. The Australian Schoolgirls representative has been a staple in reps side and it wouldn’t surprise if she made her first grade debut later this year. Olivia Vaalele stepped up to HNWP at just 17 years of age, steering the side around at halfback. She led the Fiaola Cup in total points scored and has a great goalkicking boot. Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau is another signed to the NRLW program. The five-eighth enters her second season of Gale Cup after coming across from New Zealand.
Squad: Yet to be finalised
ST GEORGE DRAGONS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Sam Saadat
Last season: 13th (0-8)
Why they will be competitive: The only way is up for the Dragons after a tough 2024 that saw them go winless.
They’re hellbent on changing that this time around, bringing in the experienced Saadat as coach and Sam Bremner to the role of St George Illawarra female football manager.
A number of solid recruits from north Queensland and New Zealand have also helped build a squad that will reignite itself as a contender.
“In the past the Dragons have had some success and a couple of years where things fell away,” Saadat said.
“For me coming in, it’s about rebuilding. Trying to rebuild the culture, not just with the squad but getting them to gel and buy into new values. They’ve jumped in from day one.
“I have a philosophy as a coach, the ACE principle. Attitude, commitment and effort. These require no skill or talent. Skills can be taught, but this is about igniting that inner belief, self empowerment, not giving up, working hard and showing team spirit.
“They all believe in each other and themselves. That’s critical to any sport team. Having that belief in the people around you is imperative.
“We’ve been lucky enough to pick up some girls through a recruitment drive in north Queensland and New Zealand. It’s exciting to give those girls an opportunity and they’ve really hit the ground running.
“There’s some great potential in this squad.”
Key fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs (Away, Round 2). This will be marked on the calendar of the Dragons. After a tough season opener against defending premiers Illawarra, the Dragons get a chance to pick up a confidence-boosting win against at Redfern against a South Sydney side who will bring their best.
Players to watch: Bronte Morrison is a centre who has come across from North Sydney and has impressed in the trials. She brings a good level of physicality and has been one of the hardest workers in the pre-season. Gezreyal Maiu’u has an elite bloodline with her brother signed to the Warriors and sister with the Black Ferns. Officials see her as a second rower with the lines she runs and her ability to offload. Is a raw prospect but has the makings of a star. Jessica Stevens has come down from the Central Coast and has already tasted experience at the HNWP level. A versatile player who will line up at halfback in 2025.
Squad: Kamanu Li’i Terua Dennis, Shylah Rose Noonan, Sienna Guider, Mikaela Finch, Cherish Melana Niusere-Maiva, Brydie Kadziela, Rylee Siteine, Tahli Struthers, Sky Antoniolli, Alexa Burgess, Vanessa Walker, Chelsea Walker, Carolina Cook, Freya Scully, Ana Ahmat, Bronte Morrison, Ebony Sotheren-Hatton, Kailang Ware, Lalita Kris, Malu-Sianna Auda, Meroma McKeown, Nahlani Von Senden, Charli Pitstock, Lyndsey Major-Booth, Shelby Kohunui, Erin Sheehy, Gezreyal Maiu’u
ILLAWARRA STEELERS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Courtney Crawford
Last season: Premiers (8-0)
Why they will be competitive: It’s hard to imagine how last year could’ve gone any better for Illawarra.
They went through the season undefeated on their way to a title with a number of players going on to play in the NRLW and HNWP, with the Steelers winning the title in the latter competition.
With a few returning faces to guide the younger players in their first taste of U19s, coach Crawford once again has high hopes for this talented group.
“This year’s squad is a pretty young one,” she said.
“We’ve been focusing on the basics and working hard. Overall they’re learning with every session and coming together well.
“We have a few that are coming back with about eight or nine returning. We’re not sure just yet if our contracted girls will feature.
“(Having players return) is huge. These girls know what it takes to be successful and a big part of what they’ve spoken about is the team connection. They’re great leaders and that is very important during the season.
“I love to win, but seeing these girls transition to Harvey Norman and NRLW is my proudest moment as a coach. It’s what it’s all about at junior reps level, setting them up for success.
“They keep showing up week in, week out. They’re all really good humans and that sets us up for a good year.”
Key fixture: Canterbury Bulldogs (Away, Round 3). A big test nice and early for the Steelers and coming off a bye the previous week. Canterbury’s female pathways are strong and this will shape as a match of the year contender if both teams bring their best.
Players to watch: Tahlia O’Brien captained the Lisa Fiaola Cup side last year and now steps up in grade. She’s represented the Australian Schoolgirls in rugby union and is a natural leader. Maria Paseka is a strong winger who has really come out of her shell in recent times. Stepped up to HNWP and was very solid. Another who made it to reserve grade was Tori Shipton, an incredible feat after starting the year in Fiaola. She’s a classy dummy half who knows when to pass and when to run.
Squad: Indie Bostock, Maddy Bullock, Charlotte Campbell, Ella D’Costa, Alex Down, April Gray, Madison Hobbs, Liesl Hopoate, Mackayla Hutchinson, Kiara Kostovski, Maddison Lewis, Bella Lord, Makayla McFayden, Scarlett Newton, Tahlia O’Brien, Seriah Palepale, Maria Paseka, Jayda Patrick, Herewaka Pohatu, Kasey Reh, Evie Richards, Siulolo Richter, Bella Sacco, Tori Shipton, Maddie Smith, Armani Tanioria, Trinity Tauaneai, Bronte Wilson, Rhian Yeo
WESTS TIGERS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Taiana Scanlan-Waddell
Last season: 9th (3-5)
Why they will be competitive: On paper the Wests Tigers’ three victories last season doesn’t turn many heads. But in the context of the previous year it was a major improvement.
Now with a new coach and a host of fresh faces, the Tigers are set to once again climb the ladder.
“It’s my first season as coach, but we have plenty of experience on the coaching staff including former NRL players David Fifita and Ken Sio,” said new Tigers coach Taiana Scanlan-Waddell.
“We want to build on last season and become more competitive. With fresh eyes looking at a wider area we have been successful in attracting talent from outside the club’s current boundaries.”
Blessed with a growing pool of local talent, Scanlan-Waddell believes internal competition for game-day spots is critical to improvement on the park.
“I’m a big believer in development, but it’s also important to build a winning culture,” said Scanlan-Waddell.
“The results last year probably don’t reflect the overall effort, but with a stronger squad healthy rivalry for spots should improve the success on the park.
“So far so good. Everyone is buying in and wants to be part of what is shaping as an exciting season.”
Key fixture: St George Dragons (round five). The Tigers kick off the season with two matches on home turf before playing the next three away ahead of a bye in round six.
In a competition still full of unknowns, the clash with last season’s winless Dragons could prove pivotal. A win before the bye could spark a serious momentum shift in the run towards the finals.
Players to watch: Sienna Montgomery heads a list of several gun recruits signed from the Central Coast Roosters. Reliable out wide, she was a regular in last year’s Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.
Key signings don’t come much bigger than Evie McGrath. A gun playmaker, the clever No.6 pulled all the right strings for Illawarra in last season’s u19s grand final triumph. Clearly a star on the rise, the 18-year-old capped off a fine season with three NRLW appearances for the Tigers.
Dynamic backrower Lucyannah Luamanu is another to keep an eye on. A key member of the Tigers’ side that played in last year’s Lisa Fiaola grand final, her untapped potential was also rewarded with appearances in the HNWP.
Squad (summer squad): Paige Attard, Ellie Barnett, Rhiannon Bonner, Lara Bush, Malia Faioso, Chaela-Lee Falls, Fanaafi Fauese, Marwa Fayad, Hayley Firman, Stephanie Goodworth, Annelise Hall, Abbie Hamilton, Chava Hanna, Kristen Haskins, Lyla Joban, Juanita Jang, Kiara Konz, Mya Lloyd, Lucyannah Luamanu, Evie McGrath, Lillie McLean, Talea Miller, Ryah Mokoia, Sienna Montgomery, Millie Parker, Tayleah Pasili, Elarnay Pele-Taula, Mia Pritchard, Sakari Ritchie, Charlyse Russo, Lourdez Sakaria, Olivia Saley, Angel Schaafhausen-Mino, Felicity Radinamo Smith, Modesty Tafeuni, Lusinita Taviliniu, Marayah Taylor, Ava Vaefaga, Ana Vave, Izabel Williams, Lilly Wilson
NORTH SYDNEY BEARS
Captain: Logan Lemusu
Coach: Andrew Manousso
Last season: 12th (0-8)
Why they will be competitive: Despite not winning a game last season, that certainly won’t be the case this time around with the Bears recruiting strongly and putting a very imposing squad together.
Coach Manousso believes the willingness of the squad to buy in will put them right in the frame at the back-end of the season.
“Things have been going excellent,” he said.
“The girls are really buying into the culture we’re trying to create and we’re starting to see the results.
“We don’t have many local juniors but the girls that are coming in are starting to buy in. They’re learning new systems which are excellent for the girls and they’re starting to pick it all up.
“It’s built on hard work and working for each other. We want to be a gritty side.
“There’s a determination to prove everyone wrong. There’s a bit of a stigma around female Bears teams in the past and that’s driving the girls to get out there and do it for each other.
“That will get to the point where we will be very competitive.”
Key fixture: Parramatta Eels (Home, Round 2). You’d suggest there’ll be a bit of feeling in this encounter with the Bears able to recruit a couple of the most promising youngsters from Parramatta’s Fiaola Cup team from last year. Those recruits will also have a point to prove at their new home.
Players to watch: Logan Lemusu played halfback in the HNWP at just 17-years-old for Mounties last year and comes to the Bears after a brilliant stint with the Eels in Fiaola Cup. Another from that side is Nikita E, a lightning quick outside back who will step into the role of five-eighth this year. She can prove to be one of the more dangerous running halves in the division. Brodie Pleasance is a returning front rower who has really impressed over the pre-season, leading to officials believing she can make the rise to NRLW as soon as this year. Bridget Shearer is a handy pick-up from Illawarra as a crafty dummy half who is very strong around the ruck. Tahlya Dower was crowned Rabbitohs Players’ Player in the Fiaola Cup and is a fullback who can fit in well at a new side.
Squad:
CRONULLA SHARKS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Andrew Fifita
Last season: 6th (5-1-4, semi finalists)
Why they will be competitive: Cronulla announced themselves in spectacular style last season. After knocking over two-time premiers the Sydney Roosters in the opening week of the finals, the Sharks went down to eventual premiers Illawarra in the semi final.
In the off-season, coach Isaac Michael has taken over the reins of the Lisa Fiaola squad, opening the door for Sharks NRL premiership winner Andrew Fifita to return to the club as Tarsha Gale head coach.
“There’s a handful of players returning from last season’s successful campaign and a number stepping up from the Lisa Fiaola squad,” said Cronulla female pathways manager Casey Bromilow.
“As always, we expect to be competitive. The squad has been strengthened with several key recruits and we hope a number of players will be knocking on the door of NRLW selection later in the year.”
Key fixture: Illawarra Steelers (round six). Cronulla’s round two clash at home to Manly is their only encounter with a finalist from last season across the opening five rounds of the competition.
With games under their belt, it makes for a mouth-watering clash when they meet the premiers away in round six.
Players to watch: One of several in the squad with NRL bloodlines, Milla Caine is a speedy outside back who last year represented NSW CIS U18s.
A goal kicking five-eighth, Marnie Isemonger returns for another campaign and is also capable of playing lock.
Of the recruits, Koffi Brookfield turned heads last season at No.7 in the Steelers’ premiership winning Harvey Norman side. Still young enough for under-19s, the rising star is just as handy at hooker.
Still only 18, boom backrower Manilita Takapautolo has already had a taste of NRLW and came off the bench in Cronulla’s narrow grand final loss last season.
While no certainty to be available every week, don’t be surprised if she’s on an edge in the big encounters.
Squad: Yet to be finalised
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Keeley Davis
Last season: Semi finalists (7-1)
Key fixture: Illawarra Steelers (Home, Round 9). By the final round there’s a good chance the Roosters will know their finals fate, and there’s no better test than the defending premiers at the business end of the season.
Why they will be competitive: With Keeley Davis at the helm as coach and Corban Baxter as her assistant, the Roosters have a wealth of NRLW experience to not only learn from, but aspire to.
Female head of pathways John Strange said having the likes of Davis and Baxter to lead the way for a highly talented group of aspiring first graders would have a positive impact around the group.
“It’s a great experience for these younger girls to be coached by NRLW players,” he said.
“It’s a new look squad with a lot of changes, but there are some girls that played last year. I think they’ll be very competitive and around the top part of the table once again.
“A big focus will be around their roles and thinking about what they’re doing. They can literally go from here to the NRLW.
“It’s about developing and understanding about what it takes to be physically and mentally ready.
“They also have Jake Callister who is head of strength and conditioning for the NRLW working with them.”
Players to watch: Tyra Ekepati took out Player of the Year honours last season and again promises to be a key component of the backline as an electric fullback. Georgie Barrett took the reins at halfback and with a year of experience under her belt, the NRLW development player can rise to a new level. Ellie Brander, Grace Dabin and Mahlie Cashin have all been promoted from the Lisa Fiaola system last year and look poised to take the next step.
Squad: Yet to be finalised
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Originally published as Tarsha Gale Cup 2025 season preview: Rolling season preview for all 13 competing teams
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