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Girls on the rise: The 75+ female players set to shine on NSWRL Conference grand final weekend

A record number of girls and women’s NSWRL Conference grand finals are set to be played this weekend. We look at the 75+ rising female stars who are ready to make their mark.

The brightest female talents set to shine on NSWRL Conference grand final weekend
The brightest female talents set to shine on NSWRL Conference grand final weekend

A record number of NSWRL Conference grand finals are set to be played this weekend across the girls and women’s divisions.

We take a look at the rising talents who are set to make their mark on the biggest weekend of the season.

JUMP TO

U12s - U14s - U16s - U18s - Seniors

UNDER 12s

Emma Lim of the Holy Cross Rhinos U12s Blue Tag. Picture: David Curry
Emma Lim of the Holy Cross Rhinos U12s Blue Tag. Picture: David Curry

EMMA LIM

Holy Cross Rhinos - Blues Tag Silver Central

Halfback/Centre

Emma is a standout player, known for running direct lines that create space for her outside players. Her vision and calm temperament allow her to lead the team around the park.

Stephanie Doyle of the Holy Cross Rhinos U12s Blue Tag. Picture: David Curry
Stephanie Doyle of the Holy Cross Rhinos U12s Blue Tag. Picture: David Curry

STEPHANIE DOYLE

Holy Cross Rhinos - Blues Tag Silver Central

Hooker/Centre

Stephanie is a selfless player who executes quick, accurate passes, creating game speed and offensive momentum. She is highly agile, making her a versatile player in any position.

Chloe Symonds of the Holy Cross Rhinos U12s Blue Tag. Picture: David Curry
Chloe Symonds of the Holy Cross Rhinos U12s Blue Tag. Picture: David Curry

CHLOE SYMONDS

Holy Cross Rhinos - Blues Tag Silver Central

Hooker/Fullback

Chloe is the leading try scorer thanks to her explosive straight-line speed and relentless, never-quit attitude. Her determination and pace make her the obvious last line of defence for the team.

AUDRINA MOORS

Cabramatta Two Blues - Metro Combined Gold

Fullback/Dummy Half

Speed and agility are some of her strengths that allows her to play her game well.

Audrina Moors, Whetu Marama Aperahama-Takiari and Blessing Otineru of Cabramatta. Pictures: Sports Infocus
Audrina Moors, Whetu Marama Aperahama-Takiari and Blessing Otineru of Cabramatta. Pictures: Sports Infocus

WHETU MARAMA APERAHMA-TAKIARI

Cabramatta Two Blues - Metro Combined Gold

Prop/Dummy Half/Fullback

She is a stronger runner and also a dominant tackler/defender her leadership in guiding the young and junior players on the field has been great throughout the season.

BLESSING OTINERU

Cabramatta Two Blues - Metro Combined Gold

Prop/Halfback

Her size and strength in punching the opposing defensive line has been a benefit factor for the team, and her hard tackles on game days has helped build confidence of her teammates in pushing harder to defend better.

KALOLAINE LOLOHEA

Guildford Owls - Metro Combined Gold

Dummy Half/Second Row

‘Caroline’ is naturally talented footballer from her amazing tackle technique to her ability to read and understand the game and make big plays at the right time. She is talented beyond her years, true leader of the team.

Kalolaine Lolohea, Summer Speechly and Mareca Jackson of Guildford Owls.
Kalolaine Lolohea, Summer Speechly and Mareca Jackson of Guildford Owls.

SUMMER SPEECHLY

Guildford Owls - Metro Combined Gold

Front Row/Utility

Summer has a gift of speed and heart those two mixed together is the perfect recipe for a future superstar of our game. Her ability to read a defensive line and run straight through untouched is amazing to watch, also backing her offence is her courage in defence never taking a backwards step and always making try saving tackles.

MARECA JACKSON

Guildford Owls - Metro Combined Gold

Centre

Mareca’s key attributes are her courage and strength in both defence and attack, she has been a key defender for the team this year on her edge and also one of the top metre gainers in the team. She definitely has the ability to switch the momentum of the game with one big run or a solid tackle.

LOTTI BOWMAN

Botany Rams - Blues Tag Gold

Five-eighth/Centre

Lotti is a great all round player with excellent awareness in attack. She loves taking the

defence on, and is equally as good for her team at saving tries with her cover defence.

London Maynard, Andi Smith and Lotti Bowman of Botany Rams. Picture: Kristen E Photography
London Maynard, Andi Smith and Lotti Bowman of Botany Rams. Picture: Kristen E Photography

LONDON MAYNARD

Botany Rams - Blues Tag Gold

Five-eighth/Centre

London is an excellent athlete and has a natural talent for rugby league. She has excellent

vision on the field and is a very dangerous ball runner. London saves just as many tries as

she scores with her ability to read the play in defence.

ANDI SMITH

Botany Rams - Blues Tag Gold

Halfback

Andi is the playmaker in the team. She is her own hardest critic which makes her push

harder each and every week. Andi has topped our try assists all year. And her ability to show

up in crunch situations is a coach’s dream. Big things to come for the little pocket rocket.

UNDER 14s

EVA PENNISI

Maroubra Lions - Metro Combined Silver East

Halfback

Eva is considered one of the most promising players coming through the junior leagues in the South Sydney competition. She has highly developed passing, tackling, and acceleration off the mark. She has incredible footy IQ for her age.

Eva Pennisi, Laura Wigan and Ereen Hennesey of the Maroubra Lions.
Eva Pennisi, Laura Wigan and Ereen Hennesey of the Maroubra Lions.

LAURA WIGAN

Maroubra Lions - Metro Combined Silver East

Five-eighth

Laura is a new addition to rugby league and has shown exceptional potential. She has well-developed passing, footy IQ, and highly developed tackling ability. Laura is exceptional at applying new skills and concepts in game situations.

EREEN HENNESEY

Maroubra Lions - Metro Combined Silver East

Front row

Ereen is a strong middle with exceptional acceleration and change of direction capacity. Ereen has a well-developed passing game and has picked up defensive principles with ease and has applied them on game days.

CHLOE MCGREGOR

Holy Cross Rhinos - Blues Tag Silver Central

Halfback

Not only is Chloe a rare talent, she is a born leader who will drive the team around the park. Mature beyond her years and has pace to burn.

Zara Palfrey, Melissa Bridge and Chloe McGregor of Holy Cross Rhinos. Pictures: Digital Flashbacks Photography
Zara Palfrey, Melissa Bridge and Chloe McGregor of Holy Cross Rhinos. Pictures: Digital Flashbacks Photography

MELISSA BRIDGE

Holy Cross Rhinos - Blues Tag Silver Central

Fullback

Mel has saved countless tries with her outstanding cover defence. She is a student of the game and has developed a lovely short kicking game too.

ZARA PALFREY

Holy Cross Rhinos - Blues Tag Silver Central

Centre

Zara is a classy back with superb hands. A straight runner with a formidable swerve who gives defenders nightmares.

ALESSIA MARDINI

Maulers United - Blues Tag Silver Central West

Halfback

Captain

Alessia is a natural leader both on and off the field. Her skills in organising the team, coming up with plays, and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations make her an invaluable asset to the team.

JACINTA ABRAHAM

Maulers United - Blues Tag Silver Central West

Wing

Jacinta’s speed and tagging skills make her a game-changer for the team. She’s not just talented, but also incredibly dedicated, often staying late after practice to perfect her goal kicking. She’s the spark that ignites the team’s performance.

AVA FAKHRI

Maulers United - Blues Tag Silver Central West

Fullback

Ava is the backbone of the team’s defence, orchestrating their efforts through clear communication and unwavering encouragement. Her infectious energy and positivity, even during challenging games, motivates and inspires her teammates to perform at their best.

RIHANNA SWEID

Strathfield Raiders - Blues Tag Silver Central

Dummy Half

Rihanna is the captain of the team. She has great vision for game and also great passing skills, She knows how to direct the team around field.

MARY KARAM

Strathfield Raiders - Blues Tag Silver Central

Fullback

Mary is a speedster of the team who can evade being tagged.

ANDREA DAGHER

Strathfield Raiders - Blues Tag Silver Central

Centre

No one can get past Andrea. She is a great tagger with good footwork.

FRANCES TAFENGATOTO

Cabramatta Two Blues - Metro Combined Silver West

Second Row

Frances has an eye for detail when it comes to kicking her field goals. With great accuracy and precision, she scores every time. Officials can’t wait for her to showcase her skills on a big stage.

Frances Tafengatoto, Kora Ngati Stone and Acacia Iuta of Cabramatta. Pictures: Sports Infocus
Frances Tafengatoto, Kora Ngati Stone and Acacia Iuta of Cabramatta. Pictures: Sports Infocus

KORA NGATI STONE

Cabramatta Two Blues - Metro Combined Silver West

Fullback

A player who can get it done from the opening whistle, taking the kick-off and leaving everyone in her wake. She is extremely talented and passionate about her role in her team. She delivers defensively and always there in attack.

ACACIA IUTA

Cabramatta Two Blues - Metro Combined Silver West

Lock/Second Row

Acacia with her strong carries and power house breaks down the middle at high speed and she has led the league in scoring and points with an incredible 23 tries to her name.

JAYDE FOAT

Moorebank Rams - Blues Tag Silver Central West

Centre/Wing

Jade’s electrifying acceleration creates space and an instant threat on and off the ball. It also rounds off her solid defensive game. Her effort and awareness makes her one of the team’s best strike weapons.

Jayde Foats and Stevie Rayner of Moorebank Rams. Picture: GS Imagining
Jayde Foats and Stevie Rayner of Moorebank Rams. Picture: GS Imagining

STEVIE RAYNER

Moorebank Rams - Blues Tag Silver Central West

Halfback

Stevie has a natural footy brain. Her ability to pick out the right play and take control of the team is what makes her a great leader and our captain. She’s also one of the top goal kickers in the competition.

MIA SMITH

Moorebank Rams - Blues Tag Silver Central West

Fullback

By far the loudest voice on the field. She has a great defensive attitude and guides the defensive line. The try saving prowess comes from speed and tagging skills and have made her one of the hardest fullbacks to get past.

AMIO ALAO

Mounties - Metro Combined Silver West

Fullback

A damaging ball runner with great footwork and speed who is great at beating defenders.

SABAH PAKI

Mounties - Metro Combined Silver West

Hooker

A crafty hooker who provides great service and is all effort in defence.

SOSEFINA TOFILAU

Mounties - Metro Combined Silver West

Second Row

An athletic edge forward who runs great lines and is rock solid in defence.

QUINN SMITH

Botany Rams - Blues Tag Gold

Hooker/Halfback

Quinn is the little utility in the team. She can play a variety of positions well, and slots into

anywhere she’s asked to comfortably. Quinn is best when she’s jumping out of dummy half

and taking the ball to the line.

Quinn Smith, Sienna Knight and Teiki Christopher of Botany Rams. Picture: Kristen E Photography
Quinn Smith, Sienna Knight and Teiki Christopher of Botany Rams. Picture: Kristen E Photography

SIENNA KNIGHT

Botany Rams - Blues Tag Gold

Five-eighth

Sienna is an all round rugby league player. She has very good vision in attack and defence

and is always questioning the defence on the football field. If she’s not taking the ball to line

and putting someone into space, she is splitting the defence with her sharp running game.

TIEKI CHRISTOPHER

Botany Rams - Blues Tag Gold

Centre

Tieki is a very exciting player to watch. She has an electric step which often catches the defence out, and she is just as dangerous in defence, always putting pressure on the attacking team.

SARAH ALAMEDDINE

Wentworthville Magpies - Metro Combined Gold

Lock

The captain and leader of the team. Shows her leadership with actions, constantly working for her teammates. Will put the team on her back with a massive run or tackle when they need something special. She always provides inspiration. Just a special talent.

LILI TUIVATI

Wentworthville Magpies - Metro Combined Gold

Prop

Her block busting carries destroy and scatters defence lines constantly week to week. One of the senior members of this team.

INDEE CARR AND VIOLET VELLA

Wentworthville Magpies - Metro Combined Gold

Five-eighth and halfback

The generals of the team. Both have real football brains, great ball skills and both have the ability to change plans on the run, depending on the game situation.

UNDER 16s

SHANAE CASSIDY

Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Stags - Metro Combined Silver East

Five-eighth

Shanae is a tough talent ballrrunning five-eighth. Never plays a bad game and plays every game like its her last. She has a special motivation going into this game and has the whole team behind her.

Coira Raftery, Shanae Cassidy and Keira Bright of Pennant Hills Cherrybrook.
Coira Raftery, Shanae Cassidy and Keira Bright of Pennant Hills Cherrybrook.

COIRA RAFTERY

Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Stags - Metro Combined Silver East

Back Row

Coira has all the attributes you want in a second rower. Tall, athletic, tough. she can run a good line or use her footwork and fend to beat a defender.

KEIRA BRIGHT

Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Stags - Metro Combined Silver East

Front Row

They don’t come any tougher than this girl. She is an explosive front rower that knows how to hit hard. The team plays much better when she is in the side. Doesn’t take a backwards step ever.

ELLIE GREY

North Ryde Hawks - Blues Tag Silver Central East

Fullback

Ellie possesses a great all round game, with great attacking and defensive instincts, can sniff out a try with a bomb that would make Matt Burton proud.

EVE EMELEUS

North Ryde Hawks - Blues Tag Silver Central East

Lock

Eve is the X-factor in this team with great footwork an unbelievable turn of speed and has nailed some sideline conversions this season.

SIENNA WINTER

North Ryde Hawks - Blues Tag Silver Central East

Utility

Sienna could be quiet all game but give her a inch of space and she will take a mile, she’s got speed to burn and has scored some brilliant individual tries and even had some great chase down tags.

RIANON CHASE

Strathfield Raiders - Blues Tag Silver Central East

Middle

Rianon is a key player in the middle, known for her strength and strategic thinking. She excels at organising the defence, making swift tags, and supporting her team with excellent ball control.

ALANNAH ALRAHEB

Strathfield Raiders - Blues Tag Silver Central East

Rover

Alannah’s speed and agility make her a standout rover. Her quick reactions and ability to find space help her team break through the opposition and create scoring opportunities.

GRACE DAHDAL

Strathfield Raiders - Blues Tag Silver Central East

Rover

Grace is an exceptional rover, known for her sharp instincts and rapid footwork. She consistently applies pressure with well-timed tags and is always quick to take advantage of any gaps in the defence.

KAIZEN MORGAN-PRITCHARD

Cabramatta Two Blues - Metro Combined Gold

Keep an eye on Kaizen. Watch for her powerful carries, her ability to hit the ball at speed, and her knack for breaking through defences. Her quick line speed will be crucial as she applies pressure on the ball carrier with her strong defensive skills.

Kaizen Morgan-Pritchard, Freedom Crichton-Ropati and Sharon Latapu of Cabramatta. Pictures: Sports Infocus, Heather Murry
Kaizen Morgan-Pritchard, Freedom Crichton-Ropati and Sharon Latapu of Cabramatta. Pictures: Sports Infocus, Heather Murry

FREEDOM CRICHTON-ROPATI

Cabramatta Two Blues - Metro Combined Gold

Her speed and strength in breaking tackles have been a significant asset for Cabramatta. Look for her dynamic carries out of her own half to help position the team for scoring opportunities, and anticipate her continued success in finding the tryline this weekend.

SHARON LATAPU

Cabramatta Two Blues - Metro Combined Gold

Sharon has had a steady season, adept at managing her play without overextending herself. This weekend’s grand final is a pivotal moment for her as she orchestrates the team’s tactics on the field. Expect her to take charge in this crucial matchup, linking up effectively with her teammates to create scoring chances. Sharon’s decision-making with her run selection could be the key difference this weekend.

MACKENZIE HANDCOCK

Moorebank Rams - Blues Tag Silver Central West

Fullback

A fantastic reader of the game who positions herself perfectly in defence. She has lightning speed in attack

Chloe O'Brien and Mackenzie Handcock of Moorebank Rams.
Chloe O'Brien and Mackenzie Handcock of Moorebank Rams.

CHLOE O’BRIEN

Moorebank Rams - Blues Tag Silver Central West

Halfback

A team leader with quick hands who gets our attack set every time. Quick out of marker in defence and always puts the opposition under pressure

GABBY GRAFF

Moorebank Rams - Blues Tag Silver Central West

Five-eighth

he work horse of the team

Always gives her all. Has great vision in attack and great with the boot in play and kicking at goal.

ALIANA FASAVALU-FA’AMAUSILI

All Saints Toongabbie - Metro Combined Silver West

Prop/Lock

‘Bubbles’ has a very strong presence on the field through her determine carries of the ball. But it is her strong defence were she really makes her presence felt.

Aliana Fasavalu-Fa'amausili, Misty Cairns and Sybella Hayne. Picture: Mrs P Photography
Aliana Fasavalu-Fa'amausili, Misty Cairns and Sybella Hayne. Picture: Mrs P Photography

MITSY CAIRNS

All Saints Toongabbie - Metro Combined Silver West

Second Row

Misty is their most consistent player each week. Misty knows how to hit a whole through the defence line in attack but is not shy in doing the hard carries either. Her defence, especially her covering tackles is a huge asset to the team.

TAHLI CURTIS

All Saints Toongabbie - Metro Combined Silver West

Centre

Her first year of playing rugby league, transitioning from representative netball. She is a natural competitor and does the little things right. Tahli’s pace has led to many of her tries and her reads in defence has been a highlight. She is the team’s leading try scorer.

SYBELLA HAYNE

All Saints Toongabbie - Metro Combined Silver West

Halfback

Sybella’s knows how to read a game in attack and take full advantage of this. A good organiser, very skilful and can create something out of nothing with her pace and vision. Although small in stature she will not shy away from doing the hard stuff.

PAULA HALAHOLO

Mounties - Metro Combined Silver West

Lock

A sleeping giant who lets her work on the field speak for itself. A top-three try scorer in this competition and a forward that is going to be a massive asset in this sport. Always leads from the front on and off the field.

Amio Alao, Sabah Paki and Sosefina Tofilau of Mounties.
Amio Alao, Sabah Paki and Sosefina Tofilau of Mounties.

TIANI FAIVA-TULEMAU

Mounties - Metro Combined Silver West

Hooker

A young up and coming player who knows how to cut a team in half from the ruck. Tiani is a player you don’t want to sleep on.

IRAE SAVEA

Mounties - Metro Combined Silver West

Fullback

A unique player who leads on and off the field. A very talented player who always beats players with her speed and slick footwork.

UNDER 18s

Tashie Lillycrop of the Mona Vale Raiders U18s Blue Tag. Picture: Contributed
Tashie Lillycrop of the Mona Vale Raiders U18s Blue Tag. Picture: Contributed

TASHIE LILLYCROP

Mona Vale Raiders - Blues Tag

Tash is a competitive half with ball skills and footwork that trouble the defence on regular occasions. Tash has a big engine and competes all game. Watch out for Tash’s kicking game that will trouble the opposition.

Grace Miles of the Mona Vale Raiders U18s Blue Tag. Picture: Contributed
Grace Miles of the Mona Vale Raiders U18s Blue Tag. Picture: Contributed

GRACE MILES

Mona Vale Raiders - Blues Tag

The captain and leader. Grace is a magician with the ball. Watch out for her long balls and creativity down the short side.

OLIVE WARREN

Mona Vale Raiders - Blues Tag

Olive plays in the middle and is devastating in attack. Watch her hit a short ball and slice through the line into the back field on multiple occasions throughout the game.

ALIAHANA FUIMAONO

Milperra Colts - Metro Combined

Centre

Ana is such a powerful player and at the tender age of 16, Ana is still able to be such a force in the U18’s competition. Ana is a rising star of the future.

Amirah Abdallah, Aliahana Fuimaono and Kiana Vatabua of Milperra Colts
Amirah Abdallah, Aliahana Fuimaono and Kiana Vatabua of Milperra Colts

AMIRAH ABDALLAH

Milperra Colts - Metro Combined

Halfback

Amirah is a crafty all rounded half with all the tools. Amirah has the passing skills, a neat little kicking game and a striking running game that could pick a team apart.

KIANA VATABUA

Milperra Colts - Metro Combined

Wing

Kiana has the blistering speed to cut any team open and leave the opposition in their wake. With footwork to match Kiana is an exciting player to watch when she is in the clear.

SENIORS

AMEENA KANJ

Mounties - Metro 9s

Hooker/Half Back/Captain

Skilful, great vision and a great leader. Missing out part of the season due to injury, she has hit the ground running. A big future ahead.

Ameena Kanj, Charlotte Jones and Ruthie Mose of Mounties.
Ameena Kanj, Charlotte Jones and Ruthie Mose of Mounties.

CHARLOTTE JONES

Mounties - Metro 9s

Front Rower

A young, powerful front rower who plays the game hard and tough. Has been involved in pathways since the start of November. Another girl that has come a long way.

RUTHIE MOSE

Mounties - Metro 9s

Back Row/Centre

Another tough young player who has been with us since November. Always hard working.

ABIGALE SEKITOGA

St Christophers - Metro 9s

Centre/Fullback

Strong and powerful and hard to stop when at full flight. Abi is a powerful centre and fullback with great ball skills and one to watch on Sunday.

TARLI DENNIS

St Christophers - Metro 9s

Hooker/Wing

A tryscoring machine who plays hooker and wing, Tarli is a pocket rocket on the field with a great step in addition to that speed.

Abigale Sekitoga, Tarli Dennis, Emily Eden and Ellie Williamson of St Christophers
Abigale Sekitoga, Tarli Dennis, Emily Eden and Ellie Williamson of St Christophers

EMILY EDEN

St Christophers - Metro 9s

Half/Hooker

A very talented woman playing in the halves and at hooker, Emily is a great talker and leader on the field. Her skill and dedication is admirable.

ELLIE WILLIAMSON

St Christophers - Metro 9s

Utility

A very talented utility for the team, Ellie not only scores tries from nowhere, she also reads the play well and a very handy kicker.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/girls-on-the-rise-the-75-female-players-set-to-shine-on-nswrl-conference-grand-final-weekend/news-story/4b0c36086eb34337dd4f954d89fccb82