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Look to the future: 12 Wests Tigers female pathways squad players to watch in 2025

A host of bright young female talents have been named in the Wests Tigers’ pathways squads for 2025. We take a deep dive into 12 players who can shape their fortunes in Fiaola and Gale Cup.

Lucyannah Luamanu-Leiataua rises to Tarsha Gale Cup in 2025. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography
Lucyannah Luamanu-Leiataua rises to Tarsha Gale Cup in 2025. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

The Wests Tigers female pathways are in an enviable position with a number of high quality talents named in their Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale Cup squads for next year.

Both have junior reps grand final experience with a handful reaching the heights of the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership and NRLW already.

We take a look at 12 players to watch from the Tigers’ Fiaola and Gale summer squads who can make an impact in 2025

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AGNEWS FAAUI

Was five-eighth throughout the club’s magical run last year and the way she was able to execute her role was superb.

With Ellie Barnett stepping up to Tarsha Gale there’s a good chance she’ll wear the halfback jersey and take over the goalkicking, two big roles that she can handle.

AMALIA CASEY

The Central Coast product was a year-young with South Sydney last season and shapes as a nice addition to the Tigers squad.

Has a background in rugby union as well and has made a name for herself as a hard-running utility who can cover a wide range of positions.

ISABELLE FITZPATRICK

A talented centre who returns for her second stint of U17s and she looks primed to take her game to another level.

Featured for Central West Maliyan in the Koori Knockout, Fitzpatrick has also been seen in the halves for Leichhardt at club level.

May Fuimaono taking a customary charge at the line. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography
May Fuimaono taking a customary charge at the line. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

MAY FUIMAONO

Fuimaono had a breakout season in 2024 as a powerful middle forward and was rewarded with selection in the City U17s.

In a competition littered with strong forwards, Fuimaono will be looking to get off to a hot start to earn the reputation among the best.

ALIANA FASAVALU-FA’AMAUSILI

Partnering Fuimaono in the front row last year was Fasavalu-Fa’amausili and they certainly formed a dynamic duo.

The All Saints Toongabbie junior has shown she can get across the line both at the club level and with a few meat pies for the Tigers last season.

ALAVINA TU’IFUA

Few were able to have the impact that Tu’ifua did last season with her devastating carries a real highlight of their run to the grand final.

Being able to change the game from the interchange was a real highlight of her game and with natural progression it’s scary to think what she can do this time around.

Ellie Barnett played U17s and HNWP this season. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography
Ellie Barnett played U17s and HNWP this season. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

ELLIE BARNETT

After leading the Tigers to the Fiaola Cup final last year, Barnett was rewarded with a crack at HNWP level.

That experience would be invaluable for the young half who will enter Gale a year young, but will have zero issues dealing with the rise in class.

PAIGE ATTARD

Another who will be making the step up from U17s and you’d be a brave person to suggest she couldn’t handle it.

Made the City U17s last season after a fantastic season at dummy half and her running game gives her an incredible upside, as does her ability to get over the try line.

KIRRAWAHN DUCKETT

A very solid pick-up by the Tigers.

Duckett was the leading tryscorer for the Rabbitohs throughout last year’s Lisa Fiaola Cup campaign and was a force throughout the season as a classy outside back.

Gives the halves a genuine strike weapon out wide.

After winning a premiership with Illawarra in Tarsha Gale Cup, Evie McGrath went on the play for the NSW U19s and Wests Tigers in NRLW. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous
After winning a premiership with Illawarra in Tarsha Gale Cup, Evie McGrath went on the play for the NSW U19s and Wests Tigers in NRLW. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

EVIE MCGRATH

How much we’ll see of McGrath at Tarsha level remains to be seen given her NRLW exploits to finish the season, leading the Tigers to a pair of wins from three games at five-eighth.

It goes without saying if the talented half features at the U19s level, her partnership with Barnett will be among the best in the competition.

SIENNA ROBERTSON

We saw the impact Robertson was able to have off the interchange last season in the middle of the field.

Her versatility and ability to fill a number of gaps in the forwards will make her a valuable asset for the Tigers.

LUCYANNAH LUAMANU-LEAITAUA

Another of last season’s Lisa Fiaola Cup players who was called upon to take on the senior women in the HNWP.

The second rower has a bag of skills bigger than Santa at Christmas and she will prove a nightmare for edge defenders throughout the season.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/look-to-the-future-12-wests-tigers-female-pathways-squad-players-to-watch-in-2025/news-story/00d7e055d14f5d409a66c6fd154f5809