Stalwarts, young guns on list of 19 female players given central contracts by the NRL

Dally M Female Player of the Year Brittany Breayley headlines a list of Australia’s top female rugby league players awarded central contracts for 2019.

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Dally M Female Player of the Year Brittany Breayley headlines a list of 19 of Australia’s top female rugby league players awarded central contracts for 2019 as part of the NRL’s overall female pathways development program.

The list also includes inaugural Golden Boot recipient Isabelle Kelly and a host of rising stars of the game, many of whom emerged during the inaugural Holden Women’s Premiership in 2018.

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Dragons youngsters Jessica Sergis, Keely Davis and Hannah Southwell are among the young guns named with senior players such as Kezie Apps, Sam Bremner, Ali Brigginshaw and Karina Brown also awarded contracts.

Hannah Southwell during the NRL Women's Premiership match between the Brisbane Broncos and the St George-Illawarra Dragons.

Langi Veainu of the Warriors tackled and held up over the try line by Jessica Sergis.

NRL General Manager of the Women’s Elite Program Tiffany Slater said players had been identified and offered contracts based on their work on and off the field over several months.

“This is year two of a long-term, year-long calendar of women’s rugby league and we’re really pleased with the level of skill and commitment that our elite female athletes continue to demonstrate - particularly the 19 that have been rewarded with central contracts,” Slater said.

Roosters Vanessa Foliaki tackles Broncos Brittany Breayley during the women NRL Premiership. Pic: Brett Costello

“As our game continues to attract new levels of fans, coverage and commercial backing, I have no doubt that we will see a greater number of elite female athletes receiving increased levels of support and contracts.”

Contract benefits include individual and team coaching, wellbeing and education services and leadership and development training camps.

The full list of players to receive NRL contracts is: Kezie Apps, Chelsea Baker, Annette Brander, Brittany Breayley, Sam Bremner, Ali Brigginshaw, Karina Brown, Keeley Davis, Vanessa Foliaki, Tazmin Gray, Isabelle Kelly, Corban McGregor, Julia Robinson, Jessica Sergis, Hannah Southwell, Simaima Taufa, Zahara Temara, Meg Ward, Holli Wheeler