NRLW dreaming: 10 Bulldogs pathways prospects who can help fill 2025 NRLW squad
Seven squad spots remain as the Canterbury Bulldogs prepare to make a big impact in their inaugural NRLW season. We take a look at 10 pathways players who can help finalise their squad.
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Canterbury is gearing up for its inaugural season in the NRLW and has wasted no time in building a roster to be competitive from round one.
17 positions out of the squad of 24 have been locked in with a mix of new faces and players from within their ranks.
But who will fill those seven remaining spots?
We take a look some of the pathways players who can make the step up to the elite level for the Bulldogs in 2025.
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OLIVIA VAALELE
Turning 18 next year, Vaalele would be among the youngest players in the competition, but we’ve seen teams are willing to take a gamble on young guns.
Vaalele was the only player across all four junior reps divisions to score 100 points as the Bulldogs ran away in dominant fashion to win the Lisa Fiaola Cup.
She got a taste of senior footy at Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership level and there’s no reason she can’t take another step next year.
NATALIA WEBB
Recruited for the HNWP side from the Western Clydesdales in Queensland and there’s a lot to like about what she brings.
A strong outside back, Webb has shown the versatility to fill a number of spots in the backline and that alone would make her a valuable addition to the squad.
AMBRYN MURPHY-HAUA
The City U19s halfback would add much-needed depth not only in the halves, but at hooker were we saw her at times during the HNWP season.
Has played a key role in helping the Bulldogs finish second and third over the past two Tarsha Gale seasons and she seems a natural to take the leap.
LITIA FUSI
A regular throughout the HNWP campaign in the centres and a current Tongan representative, Fusi has shown how damaging she can be.
An inaugural Australian Schoolgirl back in 2022, it only seems a matter of if not when Fusi gets a crack at first grade - and who better to do it with than the Bulldogs.
SARAI PULE
Another player that pulled double duty, representing the Bulldogs in HNWP after a stint with the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the BMD Premiership.
We’ve seen Pule feature in both the centres and second row throughout this season in Queensland, although coach Blake Cavallaro opted to keep the powerful runner in the forwards.
MACIE CARLILE
Already has enjoyed a taste of NRLW with St George Illawarra, playing a pair of games with the Dragons in 2023.
She had a point to prove with the Bulldogs at the HNWP level this season and will be desperate to show she belongs at the elite level as a front rower.
SHANIECE MONSCHAU
Started this season with St Christophers in the NSWRL Metro Combined competition and finished it as a regular starter with the Bulldogs in HNWP.
Made the transition from netball in New Zealand and has taken to league with ease as a devastating front rower who would provide a strong option off the interchange.
GRACE GIAMPINO
Experiencing a great rise in rugby league as the star of Norths Devils’ U19s season last year through to establishing herself as a premier HNWP front rower.
Was earmarked as one the Bulldogs wanted to bring south of the border and a strong season puts her right in the frame for higher honours.
SHAQUAYLAH MAHAKITAU-MONSCHAU
Another the Bulldogs recruited from New Zealand where she was part of the national team’s U21s squad in netball.
Made the move this season and featured in the Tarsha Gale side at five-eighth before doing the same in HNWP.
A player they’ve invested in and who looks like she’ll continue to develop.
CHARLOTTE EATHER
The ability to finish is the biggest asset Eather can bring to the Bulldogs in NRLW as a classy winger.
We saw it at the Tarsha Gale level last season and again at HNWP this year that the Gunnedah local has what it takes.
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