Tarsha Gale Cup season preview: Every club profiled ahead of the 2023 NSWRL junior reps season
The next generation of NRLW stars are blossoming in the premier underage women’s comp, the Tarsha Gale Cup. NewsCorp provides an in-depth look at all 13 teams set to compete.
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THE next generation of women’s rugby league stars are on show as the Tarsha Gale Cup nears kick off for 2023.
With a history of producing future NRLW talents, this year promises to be no different as clubs bolster their stocks to continue the growth of the women’s game.
Can the Sydney Roosters Indigenous side continue their hot form from last year, or will there be a new contender to the throne?
We preview all 13 clubs set to battle it out in the premier underage competition and look at how your favourite team will fare in 2023.
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Co-Captains: Alexis Tauaneai and Chelsea Makira
Coach: Jason Tonna
Players to watch: Chelsea Makira has been called dangerous with the footy, and proved it during her time with the Panthers last year. She’s a good organiser with great defence, and it’s hoped her experience will help boost the team. New Zealand recruit Alexis Tauaneai is a big, fit mobile front-rower and very powerful with the football, as well as being strong in defence.
Surprise packet: Another recent Kiwi arrival Tatiana Finau is a talented back-rower, and is believed to be a great addition and strong player once she finds her feet in the squad.
Why they will be competitive: The majority of the team are recruited players to ensure they can fill the needs of each position. They all have a good competitive drive, and the pre-season has focused on ensuring the girls gel well together.
Last season: 6th
Squad: Abby Aros, Abigayle Sekitoga, Alexis Tauaneai, Ambryn Murphy-Haua, Amelia Pasikala, Casey Cowgill, Charlotte Eather, Chelsea Makira, Dalia Nabhan, Ebony Raftstrand-Smith, Gracella Buiniqio, Hana Laufale, Hannah Makira, Ilisapeci Bari, Isabelle Whitechurch, Jasmine Lane, Joiful Fotu-Moala, Kyana Patten, Kylani Koloamatangi, Latisha Smythe, Litia Fusi, Noaria Kapua, Serenity Mahoni, Skye Raftstrand-Smith, Tarli Dennis, Tatiana Finau, Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung, Tutaleva Lasalo, Waimarie Martin.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Captain: Leah Ollerton
Coach: Andrew Johnson
Players to watch: In a squad that has seen quite a lot of turnover from last year’s team that pushed the Roosters all the way in the grand final, five-eighth Evie Jones has been training very well and is among the standouts during the pre-season. Second-rower Lilly Davies is another who has been particularly impressive.
Why they will be competitive: Like all of the club’s pathways teams, the Knights’ Tarsha Gale Cup side has been working hard to implement the same calls, plays and structures used throughout the whole club. Although they are a young squad with a lot of turnover from last year, the team has been working hard on developing their skills. They also have the bonus of rubbing shoulders and learning from a few of the Knights’ NRLW premiership-winning squad, who are set to line up in the NSW Women’s Premiership.
Last season: 3rd (Lost grand final)
Squad: Angel Hodson, Ava Osland, Charlotte Barwick, Elizabeth Ferries, Evie Jones, Jalice Brown, Jasmine Irwin, Keisha Johnston, Kyah Johnston, Lacey Mitchell, Leah Ollerton, Lilly Davies, Lilly McNamara, Lily Thurlow, Lilly-Ann White, Lucy Green, Lucy Pither, Meg Haylen, Mercydes Metcalf, Sienna Limpic, Sienna Newsome, Sophia Dungay, Sophie Wilson, Sophie-Clare Croker, Storm Edwards, Tianna Sadaj, Tiarna-Lee Daniel, Tiarna West
MANLY WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES
Captain: Ana-Sofima Seia Perez
Coach: Nik Wolfgramm
Players to watch: Ana-Sofima Seia Perez is the leader of the forward pack. She’s a strong, determined and committed player who is the captain for a reason. Taleenza Nelson plays back row or centre. She’s a strong ball runner with a competitive nature. She has a great work ethic and the skills, strength and speed to be a game changer. Tafao (Tee) Asaua is a big, powerful middle forward. Strong defender and very mobile for someone that stands at 6’3.
Surprise packet: Wanita Leatherby is only in her second year of playing league. She comes from a netball background where she excelled in playing at representative levels. Very Athletic and eager to learn. Already showing leadership qualities and she can definitely achieve higher honours with a little more experience.
Why will they be competitive: “We have players from all different corners of NSW who travel 1.5 to 2 hours for training. Their commitment is there and their desire to learn and progress in their footy careers is evident. There is a very close bond between the players and I believe that is enough to be competitive throughout the year.”
Last season: N/A
Squad: Sophia Addington, Honoria Tafao Asaua, Lauren Beaton, Camille Berryman, Harper Broughton-Rouse, Luciana Coria Bates, Emma Felise, Jordan Fenbow, Aaliyah Haumono, Ellah Hughes, Sharon Laulea, Shahana Lasini-Rite, Wanita Leatherby, Oshiana Leaota, Cailan Mamea, Tahlee Maroney, Grace McFillin, Taleenza Nelson, Matilda Oliver, Elarney Pele-Taula, Ana-Sofima Seia Perez, Chelsea Smyth, Maraea Toia, Alicia Weir
PARRAMATTA EELS
Co-Captains: Debbie Doueihi and Ashlee Pottinger
Coach: Ryan Walker
Players to watch: The vast majority of the squad is made of local players, with around 50% of them coming back for their second season. Co-captain Debbie Doueihi leads the charge from the fullback position and is a classy talent. Helped Kellyville to a big run in a strong U18s NSWRL competition. Her fellow skipper and dummy half Ashlee Pottinger helped All Saints Toongabbie to the final of that comp, and her craftiness is a big reason for the Eels’ success.
Why they will be competitive: With around half the team the same as last year, the side is hopeful that experience will benefit them throughout the upcoming campaign. They finished the regular season in second before a narrow loss in the semis, and that will drive them to push for further this time around.
Last season: 2nd (Eliminated Finals Wk 2)
Squad: Ashlee Pottinger, Debbie Doueihi, Alliyah Ghannoum, Alysha Bell, Bella Sandford, Caitlin Peadon, Charlotte Cawthorne, Chelsea Steele, Hayley Bell, Kalisi Mahe, Kanye Maru-Mulu, Kasey Quye, Kyanna Lokeni, Leila Black, Liaina Laila Dimech, Lindsay Tui, Makaah Darcy, Melenuku’o Akau’ola Laula, Mesha Fretton, Michelle Posiano, Nella Lima, Petalina Atoa, Raphaella Perigo, Serah Poloaalii, Siulolovao Vave, Stelnina Pritchard, Tallara Bamblett
SYDNEY ROOSTERS INDIGENOUS ACADEMY
Captain: Ally Bullman
Coaches: Blake Cavallaro and Ray Windle
Players to watch: Brooke Talataina is a clever half about to embark on her first season at the club. With a vast array of skills honed during her time in 7s and 15-aside rugby union, Brooke also brings significant league experience and has been a standout throughout the trial program. She will be instrumental in leading the team around the park in 2023.
A lock forward, Tavarna Papalii was the Australian School Girl captain in 2022. Recruited from Queensland, she has been part of the academy program for some time. Blessed with versatility, Tavarna can shine in multiple positions as needed throughout the year. With a great footy brain, her skills will complement the Roosters’ free flowing style of play.
Surprise packet: Krystal Bulmer is a Central Coast player who has come right through the Roosters’ pathway system. After missing last season through injury, the fullback will aim to make her return from anywhere in the outside backs. A strong communicator with a lethal running game, she will be something to watch out for.
Why they will be competitive: The Roosters have improved in leaps and bounds over the last two years with Blake Cavallaro as head coach. They have featured in the last two grand finals and were undefeated premiers in 2022. This year, the club is looking for another strong year and with impressive trial form are well placed for a three-peat
Last season: Premiers
Squad: Skyla Adams, Mia Barber, Lily Bone, Moanalei Brown, Ally Bullman, Krystal Bulmer, Sharlize Campbell, Rukuwai Daniela-Whyte, Ilisia Haumono, Imogen Hei, Phoenix Lamese, Joy Levy, Elizabeth Lomu-Stewart, Eliza Lopamaua, Paige Lowe, Tazalia Marayawa, Daisy McKeon, Lailani, Montgomery, Shyla Mundine, Aliyah Nasio, Tavarna Papalii, Rebecca Prestwidge, Miya Rapana-Faifua, Grace Regan, Sienna Sawers, Sophie Smith, Brooke Talataina, Shanice Talataina, Jaydah Tofae, Jessica Whitehead
ST GEORGE DRAGONS
Captain: Madison Mulhall
Coach: Huw Ellis
Players to watch: Already a member of the NRLW Dragons Academy, Madison Mulhall is the leader of the Dragons pack and lays the platform with her competitiveness. Coming off an excellent 2022 campaign, look for an even greater 2023, highlighted by her strong carries through the middle.
Leela Ma-Chong is an excellent defender with a high workrate. Savvy around the ruck and with a high footy IQ, the ballplayer looks primed to have a breakout season and is expected to be an influential figure in the Dragons’ season.
Another Dragon who looks set to make the leap in 2023 is Madison Lee-Kelly. With sparling footwork and athleticism, she is the smarts to the Dragons side and is sure to be a handful for any opponent.
Surprise packet: Manaia Harris-Wilson is the definition of a surprise packet and has impressed Dragons officials with her sharp progression and desire to improve. The former rugby union representative competes on every play and is poised to be one of the breakout stars of the campaign.
Why they will be competitive: Coming off last season’s finals campaign, the Dragons are quietly confident another year of experience will catapult them to higher honours. In 2023, the club has assembled a squad that combines both athleticism and a ruthlessness to compete on each play.
Last season: 6th (Eliminated Finals Wk 1)
Squad list: Alaiyah Williams, Ashley Samantha Ketuu, Breanah Scerri, Bree Stone, Christine Haddad, Christine, Tsougranis, Cianah Georgy, Dana Hijazi, Dena Amenah Nuuialii, Dina Hijazi, Emily Coral Briggs, Emily Waters, Jasmine Dooley, Lauren Roels, Laycie Bourne, Leela Ma-Chong, Lily Martin, Madison Mulhall, Madison So-Murphy, Madison-lee Kelly, Manaia Harris-Wilson, Maraea Toia, Mele Ketuu, Nhiamya Moran, Oriana Epati, Saja Rifei, Tamikah Joe, Taneisha Gray, Teleciha Ese
NORTH SYDNEY BEARS
Captain: Grace Weekes
Coach: Sa Patiole
Players to watch: An Asquith Magpies junior, Grace Weekes returns for her second season in the Tarsha Gale Cup. The powerful centre returns stronger, faster and more determined than last season. Also known for her hard hitting defence, Grace is a well-respected leader within the Bears squad and a key player to watch out for this season.
Sienna Deeley is one of many emerging young talents from the Central Coast region to feature for North Sydney this season. A product of the Wyong Roos, Sienna is a workhorse prop or backrower with a good motor who punches well above her weight. Even though she is the youngest in the Bears squad, she has a maturity and toughness well beyond her years.
A fearless ball carrier, Lara George loves nothing better than lining up against the biggest opposition player on the field. Having been introduced to the game through the Campbelltown Warriors club, Lara returns to the Bears for another season where coach Sa Patiole looks forward to her once again topping the tackle count with her tireless efforts in the middle of the field.
Surprise packet: Kimberly Duncan is on target to be a surprise packet for the Bears this season. A natural ballplayer with incredible speed and acceleration off the mark, her agility and ability to move through the defensive line makes her capable of breaking games wide open.
Why they will be competitive: 2022 was the Bears inaugural season in the competition. With the experience under their belt, Norths head into 2023 with a stronger roster that includes a new wave of exciting young talent that are ready to make a mark on the competition.
Last season: 11th
Squad: Alana Koro, Aliyah Tanonef, Annalise Xerri, Bella Hunt, Caitlin Hollis, Callie, Morris, Charlotte Driussi, Charlotte Byrne, Cheyenne Baker, Chloe Jackson, Claudia Brown, Ella Coombe, Eve Follows, Georgia Stewart, Grace Weekes, Hayley Patterson, Italia Mariner, Kalaye Lees, Keturah Matoe, Kianna Bright, Kimberley Duncan, Krystal Weekes, Lara George, Leilani Hirsch, Maumi Faupula, Ruby Watterson, Shanaye Rutonski, Sienna Deeley, Sienna Williams, Summer Enasio, Tamsyn Cairns, Terina Haami, Tyla Stuart
PENRITH PANTHERS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Darren Baker
Players to watch: Montana Clifford has experience leading a team around the park. The backrower has been playing good footy, and led the St Mary’s U18s girls to a NSWRL Gold West Conference premiership last year. Yasmine Baker was part of the Tarsha Gale team last year and has shown a lot of promise at fullback. They’re two extremely professional young ladies who love league and lead the culture within the playing group, leading from the front both on and off the field.
Surprise packet: “At the moment we’re really impressed with the way the Tarsha Gale group has come together. We’ve also had six young country girls come over to play which has been a boost to the team.”
Why they will be competitive: “They’re a happy, settled group. Our squad love their training and just love being around the club and the facilities. We have a group that really wants to play for Penrith and to do the local community proud.”
Last season: 8th
Squad: Bella McEachern, Charlotte Gray, Cherish Tseros, Christine Sims, Clarissa Alderton, Georgia Cole, Harmony Siafolau, Ila Fuimaono, Jaida Staben, Jemimah Tagaloamatua, Kirby Maslin, Mackenzie Doust, Marley Cardwell, Molly Mamo, Montana Clifford, Montana McLean, Natalie Vaka, Piper Spackman, Summer Jitoko, Sylvana Siitia, Taliyah Vaalele, Taya Lazare, Taylor Keppie, Yasmine Baker, Zharia Hukui
CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Neil Stanley
Players to watch: Local player Olivia Herman is expected to stand out at halfback this season. She’s powerful with the ball in hand due to her speed, and also participated in the NSW Blues’ camp. Her ability to guide the team around the park is a crucial asset for Cronulla-Sutherland. Dummy half/lock Stephanie Faulkner also participated in the same camp, and is a strong defender with solid skills. Her craftiness around the ruck will get the Sharks on the front foot throughout the year.
Why they will be competitive: After a disappointing 2022 campaign that saw them miss the finals, the club believes it’s produced a strong squad this time around. With a good mix of local stars and recruited players to fill positional gaps, they’re hoping to turn things around and get back into the post-season.
Last season: 9th
Squad: Tia-Jordyn Vasilovski, Tess Robinson, Kelsey Wilson, Sage Gray, Katalina Veikoso, Olivia Herman, Angie Tucker, Ariana Harden, Bianca Cutrupi, Laura Came, Ava Cahill, Charlotte Boyle, Stephanie Faulkner, Sereena Moussa, Summer Hoban, Alena Pale Eli, Kalolaine Veikoso, Lailah Sheridan, Raphaela Stojoski, Zoe Topham
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Captain: Georgia Willey
Coach: Josh Hardy
Players to watch: Super quick and agile, Georgia Willey is a fullback who represented NSW/ACT Schools in last year’s State of Origin curtain raiser at Suncorp Stadium. She was also part of last season’s inaugural Australian Schoolgirls tour to Fiji, and is known for her exceptional ball skills and damaging kick returns.
Harden’s Abbie Grant is a first-year player at the Raiders who developed her game in the local Katrina Fanning Shield competition. A ball-playing back-rower, Grant is just as effective passing before the line or taking on the defence with her powerful charges. Identified by Raiders officials at the club’s trials, she has impressed good judges throughout the pre-season.
Surprise packet: Samantha Nealon is a local Canberra product from the Woden Valley Rams. Tall and lean, the speedy winger loves nothing more than crossing the white stripe to the cheers of her teammates. In addition to sniffing out a try, Nealon embraces the hard work and relishes the chance to help the side out of trouble.
Why they will be competitive: After falling behind in several games last season, coach Josh Hardy has focused the squad on defence during the off-season. With a healthy mix of girls backing up from last year combined with plenty of new faces, the Raiders aren’t the biggest side in the competition, but with lightning speed around the ruck, they promise to entertain.
Last season: 10th
Squad list: Aaliyah Lomas, Abbie Grant, Beth Loco, Beyonce Marela, Bonnie Brewer, Chloe Cooper, Chloe Doon, Elli Beecham, Georgia Willey, Hunter Ings, India Dyball, Jemikah Chow, Kayla Fleming, Lara Cosgrove, Lola Fletcher, Maddison Morris, Missy Karitiana, Molly Chidgey, Mya McGlynn, Olivia Faitua, Ruby Morrisey, Rubi Williams, Rylee Cousins, Samantha Nealon, Tikirah Douglas
WESTS TIGERS
Captain: Jae Patu
Coach: Letitia Taylor
Players to watch: “One would have to be Harmony Crichton, the sister of (Panthers NRL player) Stephen. Hopefully she will advance to play Harvey Norman at some point. She’s a versatile fullback and centre. Ashanti Pennell comes from the country in Baradine which is a seven-hour drive. She plays in the halves and has set up home here for the next couple of months. Mia Taylor has been training up with the Harvey squad for most of the pre-season and is a workhorse as a second rower.”
Surprise packet: “Another young player coming through is Tiana Thorne. She has spent bit of time at fullback and centre, and can switch with Harmony.”
Why they will be competitive: “With our squad we have a lot of new players and a lot of young players. There’s only seven or eight backing up from last year. The club is taking a lot of time to develop players and will have them going up between here and Harvey. That team was very successful last year and these girls have enjoyed a lot of good players around them. The Tigers have started from the bottom to the top to make sure they will be ready to progress to better footy.”
Last season: 4th (Eliminated Finals Wk 2)
Squad: Chelsea Blankenstein, Abby Crane, Harmony Crichton, Breanna Cunningham, Iemaima Etuale, Ella Fielding, Kristen Grima, Charntelle Haenga, Ma’u Halatoa, Olivia Hind, Emily Hodge, Imogen Hope, Claire Kennedy, Chantel Lee, Nelisa Leutele, Imogen Lowe, Myracle Matara, Shanae Morrison, Jae Patu, Ashanti Pennell, Emma-Lee Raciti, Havana Simpson, Jorja Simpson, Skye Southon, Mia Taylor, Tiana-Lee Thorne, Sofaia Vaki, Emily Wooden
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Captain: Parker Stanton
Coach: Dale Jackson
Players to watch: “Parker is one of those players who is an edge back rower and gives us a lot. Yillara Widders will play either on an edge or in the middle. She played last year and her dad Dean is handy. Kasey Taaffe plays at hooker and is another leader of the team. She’s Blake’s cousin and we hope we can get her back from injury.”
Surprise packet: “Zoe Kurnoth and Shanelle Lyons are the two that have really impressed me in the pre-season and in both our trials. I’m very excited to see what they can bring to the group. Shanelle is a very strong ball runner and is hard to tackle one-on-one, while Zoe is a handful in the middle.”
Why they will be competitive: “We’ve got a very tight-knit group and they buy into everything we try to teach them. They’re willing to learn and it’s a pleasure coaching these girls, they’re a good team to be around. The girls didn’t win a game last year, but after winning both our trials there’s a bit of belief within the group. Having players returning from last year helps as well, and we’re lucky to have that experience.”
Last season: 12th
Squad: Georgie Coote, Manaia Maxwell-Puohotaua, Shanelle Lyons, Kate Fallon, Tairah Bolatagici, Leteia Duckett, Siniva Sa’anga, Cherellyn Tapuai, Te Ramaarie Muru-Hauraki, Zoe Kurnoth, Parker Stanton, Yillara Widders, Luti Maile, Loti Sagigi, Nyokah Dumas, Aneko Luamanu-Winitana, Bethany Taufa, Mere Rasaku, Taliah Mafi, Jerusa Gebadi
ILLAWARRA STEELERS
Captain: Sienna Morgan
Coach: Courtney Crawford
Players to watch: Forward Ella Koster has grown up through the heart of the development system at the Steelers and is finally getting her crack at the Tarsha Gale Cup. A big player who can play the back or front row, a strong ball carrier with a lot of heart, who has already had eyes on her from the NRLW. Winger Mia-Rose Walsh has been very dominant in the trial games and has developed her game a lot over the past few months. Can be very damaging on the edge and lethal near the tryline.
Surprise packet: Fullback Tayleah Handcock will be playing her first season of tackle footy, but is regarded highly by her coach for the fullback position. With a strong footy background, she definitely has the skills to compete, and as she continues to develop her game sense she is becoming an exciting prospect.
Why they will be competitive: It’s been a very positive start to the pre-season for the Steelers with big efforts from individuals amounting to big improvements on the field. Coach Crawford believes last year’s fifth place finish is a good sign of things to come, but not a stopping point, firmly believing their side can push for the top four this season and “ruffle a few feathers”.
Last season: Fifth (Eliminated finals Wk 1)
Squad: Tayleah Handcock, Taleisha Love, Sulieti Ahio, Mia-Rose Walsh, Darcy Eade, Brody Preston, Sienna Yeo, Hope Millard, Chelsea Savill, Sienna Morgan, Charlotte Basham, Ella Koster, Katie Stevens, Jayla Commins, Ella Fisher, Rangitaiki Pohatu, Kelsie Frankham, Hunter-Lee Afoa-Peterson Patrick, Elise Farrant, Keira Hol, Tully Phillips, Madeleine Allen, Amelia Wright, Bianca Jones, Bronte Wilson, Caley Tallon-Henniker, Herewaka Pohatu, Kasey Reh, Brielle Luccitti, Bella Lachlan, Indie Bostock
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Originally published as Tarsha Gale Cup season preview: Every club profiled ahead of the 2023 NSWRL junior reps season
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