NewsBite

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.

The race is on to win this year’s Southern Corridor Open Women’s Gold competition.
The race is on to win this year’s Southern Corridor Open Women’s Gold competition.

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 CollegiansCorrimal CougarsCronulla CaringbahShellharbour Sharks - The Oaks Tigers - Campbelltown CityHelensburgh 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 prepares to pass for Collies. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography
Aggie Dean prepares to pass for Collies. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

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.

Collegians playmaker Pandora Visesio during last season’s grand final victory over The Oaks. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Collegians playmaker Pandora Visesio during last season’s grand final victory over The Oaks. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

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.

Jade Etherden in action for South Sydney in the 2024 Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography
Jade Etherden in action for South Sydney in the 2024 Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

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.

Mary Latu hits it up for Corrimal. Supplied: Corrimal Cougars
Mary Latu hits it up for Corrimal. Supplied: Corrimal Cougars

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

Zali Yeo puts on a fend for the Corrimal Cougars during a 2022 semi final. Picture: Julian Andrews.
Zali Yeo puts on a fend for the Corrimal Cougars during a 2022 semi final. Picture: Julian Andrews.

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.

Tenaya Hegarty for Corrimal Cougars. Supplied: Corrimal Cougars
Tenaya Hegarty for Corrimal Cougars. Supplied: Corrimal Cougars

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.

Ella Ropata takes a kick off during her days in Lisa Fiaola Cup in 2024. Picture: Sean Teuma
Ella Ropata takes a kick off during her days in Lisa Fiaola Cup in 2024. Picture: Sean Teuma

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.

Felila Fakalelu in action for Cronulla Sharks in the Tarsha Gale Cup. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Felila Fakalelu in action for Cronulla Sharks in the Tarsha Gale Cup. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

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.

Bridie Inwood has a run for the Sharks. Picture: JGRimages
Bridie Inwood has a run for the Sharks. Picture: JGRimages

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.

Jaye Lacey leads the Sharks forward. Picture: JGRimages
Jaye Lacey leads the Sharks forward. Picture: JGRimages

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.

Hannah Lovell defends against Campbelltown Collegians. Picture: JGRimages
Hannah Lovell defends against Campbelltown Collegians. Picture: JGRimages

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 takes off in last year’s Macarthur grand final. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Taleah Gibson takes off in last year’s Macarthur grand final. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

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 playing Tarsha Gale for West Tigers, 2024. Picture: Sean Teuma
Katie Stevens playing Tarsha Gale for West Tigers, 2024. Picture: Sean Teuma

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.

Jessica Whelan prepares to pass for The Oaks. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Jessica Whelan prepares to pass for The Oaks. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

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.

Twilla Tofa in full flight for the Manly Sea Eagles in the Tarsha Gale Cup. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Twilla Tofa in full flight for the Manly Sea Eagles in the Tarsha Gale Cup. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

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 prepares to put on a tackle for the St George Dragons earlier this year. Picture: Sean Teuma
Mikaela Finch prepares to put on a tackle for the St George Dragons earlier this year. Picture: Sean Teuma

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.

(L-R) Faith Leasiolagi and Madison Russell. Supplied: Campbelltown City
(L-R) Faith Leasiolagi and Madison Russell. Supplied: Campbelltown City

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.

(L-R) Emily Andrews and Nikki Perugini. Supplied: Helensburgh Tigers
(L-R) Emily Andrews and Nikki Perugini. Supplied: Helensburgh Tigers

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.

(L-R) Erin Blackwell and Kirsty Sant. Supplied: Helensburgh Tigers
(L-R) Erin Blackwell and Kirsty Sant. Supplied: Helensburgh Tigers

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.

(L-R) Jasmine Cox, Jade Wagstaff and Sharna Piccinelli. Supplied: Helensburgh Tigers
(L-R) Jasmine Cox, Jade Wagstaff and Sharna Piccinelli. Supplied: Helensburgh Tigers

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.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/southern-corridor-rising-stars-and-veterans-40-women-driving-rl-growth/news-story/4333ad814a4c64f0bf582b6aedf953ab