History makers: Meet the first Broncos NRLW side
HISTORY will be made this weekend when the NRLW kicks off for the first time. Ahead of their inaugural match, Rikki-Lee Arnold profiles the 17 Broncos players who will face the Dragons.
Women's sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Women's sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
HISTORY will be made this weekend when the NRLW kicks off for the first time.
The Broncos, Dragons, Roosters and Warriors will compete in the four-week competition for the inaugural premiership trophy, with the grand final to be played on the same day as the men’s NRL final at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.
The Brisbane Broncos will kick off their season when they host the Dragons on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium.
Coach Paul Dyer revealed his first line-up on Tuesday.
1. CHELSEA BAKER
Age: 32
Rep honours: Queensland, Australia
What she brings: A ball-playing fullback who brings experience and attacking spark. The first-choice goalkicker.
2. JULIA ROBINSON
Age: 20
Rep honours: Australian Defence Force
What she brings: Only played her first rugby league game in June but already been touted as a star by Andrew Voss. Runs hard and fast.
3. AMELIA KUK
Age: 23
Rep honours: Queensland, PNG, Australia
What she brings: A determined and gutsy player on the comeback from a serious knee injury. Strong in defence and can also play fullback.
4. AMBER PILLEY
Age: 20
Rep honours: Indigenous All Stars
What she brings: Was Brisbane’s last signing after an outstanding season with the Burleigh Bears. Known as a tough and hard-working centre.
5. MEG WARD
Age: 24
Rep honours: Queensland, Australia
What she brings: Started playing last year but is a quick learner with lots of natural ability. Is speedy, can play centre and fullback, and also a goalkicker.
6. KIMIORA NATI
Age: 30
Rep honours: New Zealand
What she brings: Described as a “world-class” player who is underrated in Australia. Watch for her to make a big impact with her impressive passing game.
7. ALI BRIGGINSHAW (C)
Age: 28
Rep honours: Queensland, Australia
What she brings: She’s composed, experienced and brings an excellent kicking game.
Regarded as the best half in the women’s game.
8. HEATHER BALLINGER
Age: 36
Rep honours: Queensland, Australia
What she brings: One of the toughest players, Ballinger never takes a backward step. She’s a hard runner and always has a high workrate in defence.
9. BRITTANY BREAYLEY
Age: 27
Rep honours: Queensland, Australia
What she brings: Breayley is the best hooker in the women’s game and modelled herself on Cameron Smith and Issac Luke. Often praised for her passing game.
10. STEPH HANCOCK
Age: 36
Rep honours: Queensland, Australia
What she brings: One of the household names of women’s rugby league, Hancock is experienced, uncompromising and passionate. Still hard to stop after 15 years.
11. TEUILA FOTU-MOALA
Age: 24
Rep honours: New Zealand
What she brings: Nicknamed the “Jukebox” by Darren Lockyer because “the hits keep on coming”, Fotu-Moala is known for her defensive aggression. Also hard to stop with the ball.
12. MAITUA FETERIKA
Age: 26
Rep honours: Queensland, New Zealand
What she brings: A centre turned second rower, Feterika loves to tackle. One of Brisbane’s best defensive players and has spent a year in Australia improving her game.
13. RONA PETERS
Age: 30
Rep honours: Queensland, New Zealand
What she brings: Brisbane’s most versatile player. Can play in the halves or anywhere in the forward pack. Another great defender and known for being tough.
14. LAVINIA GOULD
Age: 35
Rep honours: Queensland Reds, New Zealand Rugby sevens
What she brings: A rugby sevens player, Gould has been at the top level for years. Will serve as a utility and is known for a great passing game.
15. CHELSEA LENARDUZZI
Age: 22
Rep honours: Queensland, Australia
What she brings: Can play front or back row, attacks with a lot of energy and hits hard. The perfect impact player for Brisbane.
16. MARIAH STORCH
Age: 21
Rep honours: Queensland
What she brings: The young forward caught the eye of Broncos scouts at the national championships for her workrate. Impressed since with her attitude and the effort she puts in.
17. NGATOKOTORU ‘TORU’ ARAKUA
Age: 21
Rep honours: New Zealand
What she brings: A ball-playing forward who has a never-say-die approach. Rewarded with a bench spot for that attitude.
Originally published as History makers: Meet the first Broncos NRLW side