Macarthur Rugby League: Meet 21 young guns on a path towards their NRLW dream
They are the next generation of female rugby league talent cashing in on a rapidly improving pathways system in the Macarthur region. Meet 21 young guns chasing their NRLW dream.
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From the growth of local competitions to the improved pathways at the Wests Tigers, women’s rugby league in the Macarthur region continues to go from strength to strength.
After speaking to those in the know at the best performing clubs, we’ve compiled a list of the next generation of talent currently on track to achieve their NRLW dream.
Meet 21 rising female stars from the Macarthur area.
APRIL AND KATIE STEVENS (CAMDEN RAMS)
The older of the Stevens sisters, April is a bustling prop enjoying her first season of Macarthur footy. A strong runner with no self preservation, the 20-year-old impressed earlier this year for Illawarra in the open-age Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.
With a commitment that belies her size, this tackling machine is fast making a name for herself.
Weekends are barely long enough for Katie. Just as capable in the halves or at lock, the 17-year-old plays for Camden under-18s on Saturday and often backs up for Opens on Sunday.
A self confessed footy-head, her tenacity recently earned her a training gig at the Wests Tigers. But in a warning to talent scouts, her versatility also extends to the 15-aside game.
MADISON MULHALL (CAMDEN RAMS)
Still only 19, Madison was co-captain for the first NSW Schoolgirls side and this year skippered St George in the Tarsha Gale Cup (U19s).
Powerful and relentless with ball in hand, the backrower has an NRLW development deal with the Dragons, but when possible always finds time to suit up for the Rams.
MALEAH MAYOL (CAMDEN RAMS)
An absolute flyer, Maleah is a damaging hole runner with a brutal fend. A former Tigers and Dragons rep in Tarsha Gale, the 20-year-old centre has visions of stepping up to the HNWP in 2024.
QUIN MCVEY (CAMDEN RAMS)
A former under-19 Eels rep, Quin is only just finding her feet following an injury ravaged start to the year.
Strong and fast, the centre might be flying under the radar now, but don’t be surprised down the track if she satisfies her NRLW dream.
BREANNA CUNNINGHAM (CAMDEN RAMS)
This 18-year-old speedster currently tops the Macarthur U18s try scoring list. An Australian OzTag rep, the outside back has quickly adapted to tackle and earlier this year represented Wests Tigers in Tarsha Gale.
In limited appearances for Camden Opens, Breanna hasn’t looked out of place.
HAYLEY CAMPBELL (CAMDEN RAMS)
Currently playing centre, Hayley offers utility value in the back row and is a proven link between the middle and outside backs.
Having donned Penrith colours in Tarsha Gale, the 19-year-old is definitely one to follow as the seasons unfold.
JENNA KOSTEWICZ (CAMPBELLTOWN CITY)
Campbelltown City first grade captain Keisha Waite identified Jenna as one of three U18s players crucial to the club’s long term future.
A member of the Wests Tigers Roar program that supports players from the U13s through to U17s, Jenna is a lively hooker with a deceptive show-and-go and proven tackle technique.
TWILLA TOFA (CAMPBELLTOWN CITY)
Another set to flourish in the Tigers Roar program, Twilla is a wrecking ball centre who regularly finds the back field.
Quick on her feet, the 17-year-old powerhouse is also one of the hardest hitters on the City books.
HOPE-POLATA FUAVA’A (CAMPBELLTOWN CITY)
A ball-playing prop with grunt and finesse - who also kicks goals. Hope is rugby league’s version of a needle in a haystack.
Still only 16, she has represented Sydney Gold in the Secondary Schools competition and is firmly in Wests’ sights having represented the Tigers in the Lisa Fiaola Cup (U17s).
SOFAIA VAKI (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
One of the strongest clubs in the region, Collegians has an abundance of talent in the Wests Tigers pathways - but none bigger than Sofaia Vaki.
The younger sister of Tigers NRLW star Folau, the 18-year-old backrower has already played in the HNWP. Blessed with tackle busting power, it’s her deadly stealth in defence that rocks the opposition.
IMOGEN LOWE (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
Quick off the mark and with plenty of nous, Imogen is a gifted playmaker who earlier in the year starred for Wests Tigers in the Tarsha Gale Cup.
IEMAIMA ETUALE (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
Flagged as ‘feisty’ by those in the know, Iemaima is a super fit backrower with a sharp turn of speed.
Clearly on the rise, the 18-year-old played in the HNWP this year and is another of the Collies’ young brigade on an NRLW development contract with the Tigers.
TIANA-LEE THORNE (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
Tiana-Lee is a speed machine capable of causing havoc in the outside backs. A specialist around the ruck following forward momentum, the 17-year-old has already featured in the HNWP and is currently on an NRLW development contract at the Wests Tigers.
CHELSEA BLANKENSTEIN (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
A regular for the Tigers in the Tarsha Gale Cup, Chelsea’s pace and reliability make her a dependable option in any backline position.
MA’U HALATOA (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
Another powerhouse upfront, Ma’u led the charge for the Tigers in the Tarsha Gale Cup.
At her best, the 18-year-old prop constantly break the line and stops opponents in their tracks.
STEPHANIE GOODWORTH (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
Earmarked as a fullback to watch, Stephanie blends speed and tackling prowess with a desire to learn.
A member of this year’s Tigers side in the Lisa Fiaola Cup, the 16-year-old will continue her development next season in the Tarsha Gale Cup.
BROOKE WILKINS (NARELLAN JETS)
In three seasons of league Brooke has just about seen it all. Since recovering from an ACL injury in 2021 the Jets fullback has taken off.
Rapidly rising through the ranks, the 22-year-old played on the wing in Mounties’ HNWP grand final winning side earlier this year and hopes to continue her climb in the coming seasons.
ABBY CRANE (NARELLAN JETS)
Following her season with Wests Tigers in the Tarsha Gale Cup, Abby has returned to Narellan where she plays centre in the Women's top grade. A member of the Tigers Roar program, her future looks bright.
GEORGIA NIES (NARELLAN JETS)
A member of the Tigers pathway program, the young five-eighth already has an impressive resume. Last year she was part of the Wests Tigers HNWP winning squad and this season made regular appearances in the side’s top 13.
ELLA FIELDING (NARELLAN JETS)
Ella is another Jet fashioning her career via Wests Tigers. A skilful backrower, she spent the early part of the season in the Tarsha Gale but has returned to Narellan where she plays No.12 in first grade.
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