Southern Corridor: Rising stars and veterans, 40+ women driving RL growth
From emerging stars to seasoned veterans, women’s grassroots rugby league continues to gather momentum. As Sydney’s top southern comp nears the finals, we look at 40+ stars on show.
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As attention shifts to an expanded NRLW competition, a talented mix of grassroots players are shooting for the Southern Corridor Open Gold title.
Featuring a blend of emerging stars and seasoned veterans, the competition — run by the NSW Rugby League — brings together the best from Macarthur, Southern Sydney, and the Illawarra in a seven-team showdown spanning 15 rounds, with a grand final scheduled for late August.
With the season now past its midpoint, we take a closer look at the diverse cross-section of players on show. From rising pathways talent to established stars balancing second-tier Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership (HNWP) commitments, there’s plenty to keep fans engaged.
We’ve reached out to each coach to get the inside scoop on their teams. Here’s 40+ stars to watch.
JUMP TO
Campbelltown Collegians – Corrimal Cougars – Cronulla Caringbah – Shellharbour Sharks - The Oaks Tigers - Campbelltown City – Helensburgh Tigers
CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS
MALAVA PALAMO
Centre/wing
Multi-talented, the gifted outside back is a new arrival at Collies. She combines speed and skill, drawing from her netball background, where she has competed internationally for both Samoa and Australia.
ALAFOU TIATA
Halves/lock
Among the top try scorers, the hard running utility returns to Collies to play alongside her sister, Melissa Fatu. Brings top level experience following her time in the HNWP system with Illawarra.
AGGIE DEAN
Hooker
The face of Collegians’ three straight titles in the Macarthur competition, the respected Cook Islands World Cup rep juggles her time between playing and assisting Mounties in the HNWP.
Plays alongside daughter Briana, who is slowly returning to her best after giving birth earlier this year.
PANDORA VISESIO
Halves
Part of a quality combination alongside new coach Aaron Teariki, Pandora knows how to execute a plan. Possesses the finesse of a half, but is known to charge at the line like a prop forward.
LUPE VAKI
Centre
Among a host of players to feature in all three consecutive Collies grand final victories, the powerful centre remains a constant threat out wide.
SOFAIA VAKI
Second row
A big game player, the former Wests Tigers rep blends punishing defence with strong carries. Still dreaming of higher honours, Sofaia is set to complete this season alongside sisters, Lupe and Folau.
CORRIMAL COUGARS
JADE ETHERDEN
Halfback
With valuable playing experience at St George and Parramatta in the NRLW, Cougars co-captain Jade brings a wealth of expertise to the team. The side’s chief organiser, she doubles as a handy goalkicker.
JORJA BOSTOCK
Second row
A Corrimal junior, Jorja is a versatile goalkicking utility adept at playing in the back row and executing dummy-half duties. Reliable in defence, she has the ball skills to position her teammates in attack, making her a valuable all-round player.
MARY LATU
Lock
The other half of the leadership duo, Mary is a formidable force with her fearless charges. A former NSW Country representative, the skilled ball-playing lock commands respect through her extensive experience in the HNWP.
JENNIFER LATU
Prop
This former NSW State of Origin star is as tough as they come. A former backline sensation, she’s beaten the odds — soldiering on after rupturing both ACLs — and now, as a new mum, she’s determined to make every moment of her final season count.
ZALI YEO
Fullback
Zali, the talented younger sister of Panthers premiership winner Isaah Yeo, has quickly made a name for herself with her deceptive speed as a standout fullback. A regular in the Steelers pathways, she has opted to spend the entire season with Corrimal this year, following her impressive performances in last year’s HNWP
TENAYA HEGARTY
Centre/wing
In a squad loaded with big names, this Corrimal junior has been a standout since returning from a couple of seasons away from the game. Blessed with pace, Tenaya is the one her teammates look to for tough carries.
CRONULLA CARINGBAH
ELLA ROPATA
Halfback
Hailing from a sporting family and with a background at Westfields Sports High, the crafty No.7 has been a regular in the Cronulla Sharks pathways since 2024. Plays alongside sister Taylor, and steers the team with skill and passion.
KEELY SMITH
Utility
A natural in any position, Keely’s hard-playing style and relentless work ethic has already caught the eye of talent scouts. Another in the Sharks' system, the Shire local is a valued teammate, doubling as a coach in the CrossFit and gymnastics industries.
FELILA FAKALELU
Prop
A former Sharks pathways player of the year, the aggressive prop is a regular across the stripe and sets the tone at the start of every set. A standout talent, Felila draws inspiration having played alongside her mother, Sentila.
MAHANA SIJP
Centre/wing
A rising talent from the Cook Islands, the speedster found her way to Cronulla Caringbah after earning a spot in the Sharks HNWP squad following an invitational trial in 2024. After impressing selectors, Mahana relocated to Sydney in May to begin pre-season training.
SHANTÈ TAUMATA
Hooker/halfback
A dual code talent, the multitalented playmaker offers spark around the ruck. With more than five years playing alongside a handful of her teammates, her moves on the field are second nature.
TARNEE INGRAM
Five-eighth/hooker
Since shifting from Tamworth, Tarnee continues to kick goals both on and off the field. Thriving in the Sharks pathways, she remains inspired by her parents’ sacrifices and skilfully balances a full-time childcare role while pursuing a Diploma.
SHELLHARBOUR SHARKS
OLIVIA MCELHONE
Front row/lock
A Shellharbour Sharks junior and hard working mum, Olivia continues to improve since returning to the field after a two-year absence. Known for her damaging defence, she recently won a spot in the Illawarra HNWP squad.
BRIDIE INWOOD
Forward utility
Ruthless on an edge, coach Ron Kissell believes higher honours await the rising Sharks powerhouse. Not the biggest defender on the books, but one opponents are happy to avoid.
SALLY DWYER
Second row/centre
A former Australian Prime Minister’s XIII rep, the dashing back-rower continues to shine in elite company after snaring a spot in South Sydney’s HNWP squad. Sally, who rose through the ranks in western NSW, is now cashing in after a big off-season.
JAYE LACEY
Second row/centre
A coach’s dream, Jaye is Shellharbour’s collision queen. Gifted with superior leg-drive, she commonly forces the ball five metres or more beyond the point of contact.
EMMA WALTERS
Fullback
A household name in the area who has excelled in the rep ranks, Emma may have lost a yard over the years, but she’s quicker than ever between the ears - a clever communicator and elite one-on-one defender.
HANNAH LOVELL
Lock
The Sharks skipper leads by example in defence and never shies away from a tough carry. A positive influence, she makes it her goal to guide and inspire the team’s youngest members.
THE OAKS TIGERS
LARA BUSH
Halves
The gifted playmaker has made giant strides since recovering from an ACL injury. Part way through her first season of women’s open footy, earlier this year, the 18-year-old spent time in the Wests Tigers Tarsha Gale squad.
ZERLINDA LEAUPEPE
Prop
Flagged as an absolute beast of the competition, the old-school front row enforcer refuses to take a backwards step and will do everything within her power to protect her teammates.
TALEAH GIBSON
Hooker
Coach Mick Stevens wouldn’t swap his dependable No.9 for anyone. A former Bulldogs rep, Taleah hasn’t missed a game this year and the skipper always tops the tackle count.
JESSICA BLATCH
Second row
Don’t be fooled by this backrower’s quiet demeanour — what she lacks in noise, she makes up for with punishing hits in defence.
KATIE STEVENS
Halfback
A former Wests Tigers junior rep and Camden Rams player of the year, Katie knows how to direct traffic - but those in the know say it’s the No.7’s exceptional defence that sets her apart.
JESSICA WHELAN
Fullback/halves
Opponents should forget about testing Jessica under the highball. With the safest hands in the business, the Wests Tigers rep continues to perfect her skills in AFL circles every Saturday.
CAMPBELLTOWN CITY KANGAROOS
TWILLA TOFA
Centre/five-eighth
Assuming the captaincy in her first full season of senior footy, Twilla comes armed with experience from the Manly Sea Eagles pathways. Her barnstorming presence in attack is complimented by a ruthless attitude in defence.
MADISON RUSSELL
Halfback
One of several in the squad from last season’s premiership-winning under-18s side, Madison returns to City having represented South Sydney in the Tarsha Gale Cup. Extremely talented, the clever half offers a well-rounded kicking game and is well qualified to spearhead the attack.
JESSLYN MAHANGA
Second row/centre
A well-liked member who brings a great culture to the team, Jesslyn uses brute strength to bend the line. Playing above her age, the teenager’s tackle busting ability has already been rewarded with a spot in the Rabbitohs HNWP squad.
MIKAELA FINCH
Lock/ second row
The gritty City defender returns to the local scene after representing St George in the junior reps. Dependable and full of energy, she’s expected to be a key contributor in this year’s campaign.
FAITH LEASIOLAGI
Centre
One the Roos depend on with the Steeden, Faith topped the tackle busts last year in the title-winning U18s team. Equally at home out wide or in the pack, the Manly Sea Eagles junior rep can be counted on to cross the stripe.
HELENSBURGH TIGERS
EMILY ANDREWS
Front row
The lifeblood of the club, the hardworking prop’s best efforts extend well beyond the footy field. With experience at higher levels, the skipper serves as a role model at Helensburgh. From social media pages to the gate and canteen, Emily does it all.
NIKKI PERUGINI
Halfback
Having represented South Sydney, the co-captain is a tremendous asset for the Tigers. Mature and committed, she makes the long journey from Campbelltown twice a week for training and is said to be enjoying her footy more than she has in years.
ERIN BLACKWELL
Second row
A Tigers legend, no one has played more women’s tackle footy for Helensburgh than this popular back rower. A former St George Dragons rep, Erin commenced her journey with the Tigers in 2011 and recently celebrated her 150th match.
KIRSTY SANT
Lock
Tigers coach Nathan Simpson says Kirsty is the toughest and bravest woman he has coached. A team player, the former Cronulla rep is accountable for the entire 70 minutes and demonstrates her commitment by driving one and a half hours to training.
JASMINE COX
Hooker
In just her first season of A-grade, Jasmine has already proven she has what it takes to reach the next level. Thriving in the team’s resurgence, the super-fit hooker is revelling in playing alongside sisters Teagan and Kirra.
JADE WAGSTAFF
Fullback
Another Tiger smashing the lights out in her first season, Jade brings a wealth of skills from her background in tag footy. Calm and dependable down back, the No.1 can be relied upon to tidy up any untidy situation.
SHARNA PICCINELLI
Prop
The daughter of Illawarra Steelers legend Neil Piccinelli, Sharna is respected and admired for her strong-willed nature. Though she may lack size, her elite fitness and unwavering desire more than make up for it.
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