The 42 girls and women to watch in this weekend’s NSWRL West conference grand finals

As the NSWRL West conferences prepare for their season-ending grand finals this weekend, NewsLocal looks at the 42 players to watch from the U12s right through to open women’s divisions.

RUGBY LEAGUE: The future of the women’s game is set to be on full display this weekend as the NSWRL West conference grand finals take centre stage.

Six deciders will take place across the western metro centres of Sydney, with the next rep stars and NRLW talent running around in front of us.

NewsLocal looks at the 42 players to watch this weekend.

U12 GOLD

ANIHERA MADAR (ST MARY’S)

A strong and mobile backrower who runs from the back fence each carry,” coach Jaye Williams said.
“Is up-front and aggressive in defence.”

LIANNAH AMETE (ST MARY’S)

“Our fullback with silky smooth hands and a lethal right foot step,” Williams said.

“Constantly poses a threat in attack.”

QUIANA VAOLIKO-SAVESI (ST MARY’S)

“A co-captain of the team and is a classic hard running, hard hitting, lead by example forward who the girls all follow,” Williams said.

SYBIL LATU (MINCHINBURY)

“She’s had a phenomenal year. One of our younger girls but has definitely stepped up,” coach James Mahutariki said.

HANNA MASIC (MINCHINBURY)

“Plays in the second row and goes down as one of our best forwards this year,” Mahutariki said.

MARLEY SKINNER (MINCHINBURY)

“Plays a pivotal position in the middle at dummy half and had her best years. One of our most improved,” Mahutariki said.

U14 GOLD

LJ LATU (MINCHINBURY)

“Plays at prop and is very strong runner of the ball. Loves the game,” coach Tui Uele said.

AALIYAH WAIPOURI (MINCHINBURY)

“Is very skilful with a good kicking and passing game,” Uele said.

MOEISHA UELE (MINCHINBURY)

“She’s the cousin to Braden Hamlin-Uele. Is very strong when running the ball and likes t he contact,” Uele said.

U14 SILVER

KAYLEE ANDREWS (GUILDFORD)

“Our fullback who has developed so much,” manager Seru Sivo said.

“She came in wondering how to play and amazingly she’s surprised us. She’s one of the best fullbacks.

“Has a passion for the game and developed a good kicking game. Committed and a good role model.”

MERE SIVO (GUILDFORD)

“Plays in one of the hardest positions at halfback, but plays really well,” Sivo said.

“Been playing since she was seven and is very talented. There’s a high potential in her game and she’s good to watch.”

KAILANI LEOTA (GUILDFORD)

“A well-respected captain and a very talented girl,” Sivo said.

“Has a good head on her shoulders and the girls always look up to her. Leads the girls well and is the voice of the team.

“Has a great relationship with the coach, manager and trainer.”

HEILALA FIFITA (MT DRUITT)

“Heilala is an amazing player that takes on the line with full speed,” coach Lisha Naisali said.

“She leaves nothing in the tank every time she runs. She is definitely one to look out for.”

VANISHA SUA (MT DRUITT)

“Vanisha is always on the go every time she gets the ball,” Naisali said.

“Her determination and drive is honestly inspiring. She is a leader and picks up the team every time.”

DESTINY HODGE (MT DRUITT)

“Destiny is our little pocket rocket,” Naisali said.

“Her defence is exquisite. She is one of the smallest in our team but biggest at heart when it comes to defence.”

LOKIRA SEIA-PEREZ (MT DRUITT)

“Lokira is one of the best halves I’ve seen. Her understanding of the game is amazing,” Naisali said.

“She takes on the line and really creates magic every time she touches the ball.”

UNDER 16 GOLD

DANNIELLE SECKOLD (TOONGABBIE)

“Danielle has a strong carry in the centres,” coach Ben Ellis said.

“Her defence is excellent and she communicates really well.”

TIA MATTHEWS (TOONGABBIE)

“Tia is an outstanding defender at lock,” Ellis said.

“She runs great lines and has a huge engine.”

WAIARIA ELLIS (TOONGABBIE)

“Waiaria is a halfback with outstanding vision,” Ellis said.

“She reads the game really well and has plenty of speed.”

GIAVANNA LEO (ST MARY’S)

“She’s a hardworking forward with a big motor,” coach Robert Schemp said.

St Mary's Dallis Graham-Withell (second from left). Picture: Brett Costello

DALLIS GRAHAM-WITTHEL (ST MARY’S)

“A brilliant attacking player with great defence,” Schemp said.

ALIAHANA FUIMAONO (ST MARY’S)

“A game-breaking forward with speed to burn,” Schemp said.

UNDER 16 SILVER

CIARA STOCKHAM (KELLYVILLE)

“What I like about playing rugby league is the contact you make when running the ball but mainly the friendships you build when playing league,” the front rower said.

“How it started was all thanks to Jane (manager). She spotted me with my parents at Coles shopping for late night movie snacks when she came over and asked if I played rugby league and I said no, being shy I didn’t really play any sports at the time but Jane than said “you should come down to a training session at Kellyville and meet the other girls”.

“It’s now been four years and I’m still playing for Kellyville and this year I was lucky enough to be selected for the under 16’s Parramatta development squad and from there I was also selected to play in the Lisa Fiola team at Parramatta and about to smash out our grand final for Kellyville. Rugby league has helped me build my confidence and has taught me that anything is possible if you just give it a go cause you never know.

“Rugby league has also given me new friends being shy I always found it hard socialising with other people but attending training session and games with my team I’ve come out of my shell and that’s thanks to league.”

JOSEPHINE GRIMA (KELLYVILLE)

“Rugby league is something that is always a part of me. Rugby league is more than a sport it’s a release. Being able to be aggressive and tackle people, and then helping your team to win the game. I love rugby league as it helps me release any anger I have inside of me and helps me calm down while still having fun,” the dummy half said.

“Rugby league has always been in my life since I was born. My dad has been in footy for more than 35 years. I always wanted to play but was never aloud as my dad feared I would get hurt. Ironic coming from him. Finally one year he let me play. It was under 12’s for the Rouse Hill Rhinos. I played in division four but that never mattered to me. We got all the players no one had faith in and people thought we would come last and never play again. That year we won the grand final and came home with gold. After that I moved to the Kellyville Bushrangers and have been there since.

“Some benefits I find from rugby league is the mental release I get from it. As someone in high school, I have a lot that goes on and rugby league to me is a release from all the stress I’ve had during the week. It also creates a family within your team.”

ELLA MEREDITH (KELLYVILLE)

“I like playing rugby league cause it gives me a sense of relief, it helps get away from the reality of the world around you by doing something I love,” the fullback said.

HANNAH O’MALLEY (KELLYVILLE)

“I started playing rugby league because I grew up watching the sport and I love the game.

I love the competitive nature of the game and I love the community of women in league,” the lock said.

“I injured my neck in my first season and everyone told me I should stop playing but my dream is to be in the NRLW and I’m now in my second season of rugby league we have made it to my first grand final.”

SARAH SHANNON (MOUNTIES)

“A workhorse and defensively nobody is better than her,” coach Grant Mitchell said.

“Does the majority of our defence, especially around the ruck and has been spotted by Parramatta for the Lisa Fiola Cup. Has a bright future.”

AVENA RACOMA NGATA (MOUNTIES)

“A centre who is big and strong, fast and athletic,” Mitchell said.

“Is defensively outstanding and over the last few weeks has shown some brilliant touches with the football. Also in the Lisa Fiola Cup squad.”

NIKITA E (MOUNTIES)

“Probably our best player. Is lightning fast and a powerful defender,” Mitchell said.

“I’ve never seen a girl tackle like she does. Produces copybook tackles and has scored six tries in a game.

“A brilliant player who is in the Fiola Cup squad but can only train because she is 15.”

UNDER 18 GOLD

MONTANA CLIFFORD (ST MARY’S)

“Our captain. She’s a leader on and off the field,” coach Shenelle Haumono said.

“She goes out there and gives 100 per cent every game. Her running game and her defence are both assets of her game.”

MOANALEI BROWN (ST MARY’S)

“Our front rower and has probably our best front rower all year,” Haumono said.

“She leads from the front and always gets up on her front foot with her damaging runs. Her defence is good as well.”

BROOKE TALATAINA (ST MARY’S)

“Our halfback and she’s the only girl from our club that got called up to play for St Mary’s at the beginning of the year,” Haumono said.

“Played a few games, came back and brought her form back here. Directs the team around and is a great communicator.”

ASHLEY POTTINGER (TOONGABBIE)

“Always the strongest defender on the field, known for her hard work at training and on game day,” coach Roxanne Black said.

“Through her commitment and dedication to the game she has proven to be a well-respected player to her teammates that has successfully captained the under 18 AST Tigers through a difficult season and into the finals.”

RAPHAELLA PERIGO (TOONGABBIE)

“With her great natural ability it’s a different game when she’s on the field,” Black said.

“Her experience and knowledge for the game allows our coaching staff to move her from playmaker in the halves to last line of defence in the backs, however it is her passion for the game that makes her the ultimate footballer.”

LIAINA DIMECH (TOONGABBIE)

“I first met this girl on the netball court. She made a non-contact sport look like a game of footy on concrete,” Black said.

“She has been able to successfully transfer those netball developed skills such as hand eye co-ordination and agility from the court to the field, making her one of the best forwards in our comp.”

TALLARA BAMBLETT (TOONGABBIE)

“This girl is no amateur when it comes to representative sport, playing across 3 footy codes at representative level for many years and most recently being named in the Inaugural Australian Schoolgirls rugby league side,” Black said.

“I have had the privilege of watching Tallara grow as a player and mentor to her teammates during her six seasons here at AST Tigers. I can’t decide what I love the most about her, whether it is her ability to run through a team of defenders and make it look effortless or the mountain of sport accolades that she receives and fails to share with anyone.”

OPEN WOMEN

PETALINA ATOA (MOUNTIES)

“She’s currently 17 and was with the Parramatta Tarsha Gale team this year and in the NRLW development squad,” coach Mick Daley said.

“A front rower with exceptional skills. Has been on fire this year, classy for her age and a leader in our side.”

BROOKE WILKINS (MOUNTIES)

“Our fullback and captain who returned from an ACL injury,” Daley said.

“Was with the Harvey Norman squad and has been outstanding for us at the moment. Has a great work ethic and great speed, and works hard for everybody in the side.”

TEHILLA-ROSE VAELUAGA (MOUNTIES)

“Spent the last three years with Tigers Tasrha Gale and is a real quiet achiever,” Daley said.

“Works hard all day in the back row and pulls off some really good hits at that level. A good work ethic.”

MARETA AFUALO (WENTWORTHVILLE)

“Top point scorer this season and has the highest conversion rate in the comp,” coach Judy-May Peni said.

“When she’s 10 metres out from the try line with the ball in two hands she is unstoppable. Weaves around the defence with her crazy footwork.”

MARISA POSIANO (WENTWORTHVILLE)

Runs hard every time the ball is in her hands with a high count of line breaks,” Peni said.

“In defence she’s hits hard, opponents would regret running into her. Always a work horse in the middle.”

Sonia Mose (right). Picture: Melvyn Knipe

SONIA MOSE (WENTWORTHVILLE)

“Co captain of the team and sets an example on and off the field,” Peni said.

Played for Jillaroos back in 2009, since then she’s had a long break and has bounced back like she’s never left. Her ball skill is impeccable making it look effortless.”