NRL players to watch in the NSWRL and QRL grand finals
THERE are a host of NRL Women’s players in the state grand finals being played this weekend. Here’s your guide to who will be turning out for NRL clubs in September.
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STATE women’s grand finals this weekend mark the final step before all players are released to their NRL club.
Mounties take on South Sydney tonight in the NSWRL Women’s Premiership decider before Burleigh play West Brisbane in tomorrow’s QRL grand final.
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Broncos, Dragons and Roosters coaches will be hoping all their players come through unscathed because there are still quite a few of them running around.
With NSWRL live streaming tonight’s match and the Queensland game being shown live on Fox Sports, there’s nothing stopping you tuning in to get an early look at who could be starring in a few weeks’ time.
Here are the NRL players to watch for …
BRONCOS
BURLEIGH
8. Chelsea Lenarduzzi
The young forward burst onto the rugby league scene last year when she was called into the Jillaroos side that made the historic first trip to PNG. Lenarduzzi was selected off the back of a strong season with Burleigh, helping them to their third consecutive premiership in the QRL’s southeast women’s division. She will join Brisbane’s formidable pack in the inaugural NRLW season.
13. Tallisha Harden
Harden is one of the hardest-working players in the game and has battled some major injuries to get this career-best season. She played for the Jillaroos in their Commonwealth Championships victory in February, made her Queensland debut in June and has signed a contract with Brisbane. She will captain Burleigh in their clash against West Brisbane.
17. Rona Peters
For those who watched the women’s State of Origin in June, Peters was one of the hard-hitting forwards that left quite an impression. But while she starred in the forward pack for Queensland, her versatility is what makes Peters a key for Brisbane in the NRLW. She can play hooker, half, front row and back row and never takes a backwards step.
WEST BRISBANE
2. Julia Robinson
This naturally gifted winger played her first game of rugby league in June and has since enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top. She starred for the Australian Defence Force side at the National Championships and was quickly pursued by the Broncos, Roosters and Dragons but settled with Brisbane. She moved from Townsville to join the West Brisbane Panthers and will now play in a grand final. Robinson could prove to be a star for the Broncos.
10. Heather Ballinger
Long-serving Jillaroos forward Ballinger is an outside chance to play on Saturday as she battles an injury. But if she does make it onto the field, count on her to be a game changer for the Panthers. Ballinger is one of the stars of the women’s game and will be the most experienced player at Cbus Super Stadium. She was one of the first players the Broncos signed due to her work ethic and tough attitude.
DRAGONS
WEST BRISBANE
11. Kate Haren
Haren is widely regarded as one of the hardest working players in the game. Based in Innisfail in Far North Queensland, the single mum travels to the southeast every week to play for West Brisbane and will next week move to NSW to join the Dragons. Haren was always adamant she would do whatever was necessary to play in the inaugural women’s NRL competition and that never-say-die attitude is why she is playing in the QRL’s southeast women’s grand final.
13. Asipau Mafi
An experienced back rower who has represented Queensland and Queensland City, Mafi has worked hard this season to keep her game at the top level as competition for places in every elite team becomes more fierce. A powerful middle player who has improved her fitness in recent times she’ll be looking for a top performance before moving to Wollongong for the NRL Premiership.
ROOSTERS
MOUNTIES
13. Simaima Taufa
One of the first Roosters signed to the club, Taufa would be well-known to anyone following women’s rugby league. She won last year’s Dally M Female Player of the Year and has continued her barnstorming form ever since. A powerful, strong running forward who leads with actions, she’ll have her Mounties side revved to knock over slight favourites South Sydney.
SOUTH SYDNEY
1. Nakia Davis-Welsh
A fast fullback and top class finisher. Nakia Davis-Welsh is one of the best custodians in the game, having covered in the No.1 jersey for Sam Bremner during last year’s World Cup. She’ll be dangerous on kick returns and sniffing around her playmakers at every opportunity.
2. Taleena Simon
Earned a call up to State of Origin this year because of her outstanding form for the Rabbitohs. Simon is a former Australia-contracted rugby sevens player and is dangerous on returns. Any break in the defensive line will be enough of a chance for her, she has pace to burn and knows how to find the tryline.
5. Sharon McGrady
Yes, from the McGrady family. Her father and uncle played for Canterbury and McGrady is keen to carry on their rugby league legacy. A talented outside back who can slot in anywhere. She has excellent ball skills and can read the play well.
6. Lavina O’Mealey
The seasoned veteran continuing her farewell season with a grand final. The five-eighth is one of the most respected players in women’s rugby league and though she’s excited just to see where the game is today, another victory (to add to her Origin win) would be further icing on the cake. O’Mealey never gives up and could well be the gamebreaker.
7. Maddie Studdon
A player who continues to grow into a true leader, Studdon showed during Origin how far her game has come since being dropped to the bench during last year’s World Cup campaign. She didn’t drop head, instead she worked to improve her game and is playing some of the best football of her career. She steered the Blues around during Origin and will do the same for her beloved Rabbitohs.
11. Chloe Caldwell
An experienced back rower who picked up an NRL contract during the free agent period off her form at this level. Roosters coach Adam Hartigan wanted her knowledge and size in his pack and she’ll be keen to make sure she finishes this season on a high ahead of the big one in a few weeks.
BURLEIGH
6. Zahara Temara
The one that got away for the Broncos. Temara is an outstanding talent with ball in hand and possesses one of the best kicking games going around. It’s been a massive 2018 for her. She almost led the Queensland Reds to victory in the inaugural Super W earlier this year, went close with the Maroons in Origin, but will be confident of hoisting this trophy. Form is important as the battle for the starting halves spots at the Roosters will be intense.
12. Tazmin Gray
Gray has made a remarkable comeback to rugby league after giving birth to her second child in February. She returned for Burleigh in April and put in the hard yards to earn a Queensland recall in June. After a strong performance in the Origin clash, in which she managed to keep Jillaroo and NSW opponent Talesha Quinn well contained, Gray then signed a contract with the Roosters. After watching Burleigh win the grand final from the sidelines last year, Gray will be a woman on a mission against West Brisbane. She is making up for lost time as she pushes for her Australian debut.
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