NSWRL Metro Silver Women’s Conference: 18 players set to shine in the finals series
Some of the best women’s league talent is on show in the NSWRL Metro Combined Silver Women’s Conference. We look at the 18 players set to make their mark in the finals.
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The NSWRL Metro Combined Silver Women’s Conference has shone a light on some of the up and coming league talents across Sydney.
Here are the players to watch ahead of the finals series getting underway this weekend:
MALANATA KILISIMASI
Mascot Jets
Has been a runaway as the competition’s leading try and pointscorer, piling on 14 tries and cracking the century of points as part of a dominant Mascot outfit. Has added a lot from the interchange.
JADE MATAPUKU
Mascot Jets
Centre
Brings a great level of experience to a strong Jets outfit as a former Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership player with the Rabbitohs. Adds as much in defence as she does in attack and is always a threat.
CAYLA BARLOW
Mascot Jets
Second row
The second rower is in the HNWP squad for the Rabbitohs this season after making her debut at that level in 2020. She’s a dynamic force out wide on an edge and has a few tries to her name this year.
DALIA NABHAN
Cabramatta Two Blues
Hooker
Started the year in Tarsha Gale Cup for the St George Dragons as a crafty dummy half who picks the right times to run and try to catch the defence out. Makes plenty of tackles and has really aimed up.
KELLY CHAN
Cabramatta Two Blues
Wing
Doing a great job on the wing for Cabramatta as a dual-code talent, having played for Northern Suburbs in union as well. A good finisher out wide who is always willing to do the hard yards when needed.
MANAIA MAXWELL-PUOHOTAUA
Cabramatta Two Blues
Second row
Another from the Dragons pathways, Maxwell-Puohotaua has been a great addition for Cabramatta as a line-running second rower who has also been very handy with the boot, currently sitting third on the competition’s pointscoring list.
ANA FAINU
Guildford Owls
Prop/second row
A very powerful runner of the ball who can play in the middle or on an edge. Fainu is a destructive player on both sides of the ball and she isn’t one to shy away from contact, whether running or tackling.
LOUINA TONGAMOA
Guildford Owls
Lock
The work ethic of Tongamoa is unmatched. She ties up the middle in defence and is aggressive in the best way with her play. She’s always looking for contact and is one of the top tacklers in the team.
DAHLIA TAHU
Guildford Owls
Hooker
The captain of the Owls who is exceptional out of dummy half. She plays direct and is so good at getting her forwards rolling and playing out wide on the back of momentum. A calm, experienced player who shows leadership on and off the field.
JOSEPHINE ZAPANTIS
Marrickville Queens
Hooker
Surprises a lot of people with the engine she has in a relatively small frame. Is always up for the challenge of trying to bring down the opposition’s biggest player. Gets around the park quickly and is great at catching the defence napping.
MEILYINNI SEMU
Marrickville Queens
Second row
The second rower is having a blinder of a season after linking with Marrickville to start 2024. Takes advice from the coaching staff on board and puts it into practise. Puts on big shots and is a devastating runner on an edge.
CRYSTAL OVERTON
Marrickville Queens
Front row
Is a workhorse in the engine room for Marrickville, taking plenty of tough carries and getting her side rolling. Her contribution is never underestimated and she is great at laying a platform for the backs to do their thing.
APRIL MAJOR
Pennant Hills
Utility
Has proven to be a Miss Fix It this season for the Stags, filling in at multiple positions when called upon by coach Luke Phillips. Has proven to be a dangerous player with the ball, scoring eight tries in the regular season.
CHARLIZE BARRETT
Pennant Hills
Second row
Has been in career-best form of late with her strong ball carries becoming a strong characteristic of her game. A tough player who continues to aim up on an edge after a strong season with North Sydney.
BRONTE MORRISON
Pennant Hills
Centre
Has come down from north Queensland and has converted her game into a defensive centre. She’s a fit player who is adapting well. She’s worked hard on her defence and has the potential to go a long way.
TYMEKQWA DUCKETT
Alexandria Rovers
Front row
Has been constantly among the best for Alexandria week in, week out. Officials believe she’s not far away from making the next level. An outstanding force in the front row who is among the hardest hitters in the competition.
SINIVIA SA’ANGA
Alexandria Rovers
Halfback
The general management and control she has on a game has been a big asset for the club. Has a good kicking game, can kick goals at a good percentage and is great at organising those players around her.
SHANELLE LYONS
Alexandria Rovers
Centre
When she’s lined up for the Rovers she has been a force out wide and has been a constant tryscoring threat. Has played a handful of games at the Harvey Norman level for the Rabbitohs for great success.
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