NRL Schoolgirls Cup 2025: Player form guide ahead of the season
NRL Schoolgirls Cup top 50 form guide: How leading players from the expanded rugby league competition are shaping up ahead of the season.
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The NRL Schoolgirls Cup has been expanded to eight sides this season, with Stretton State College and Palm Beach Currumbin SHS added to the competition.
This publication and all News Corp Australia digital mastheads will again be your home of NRL National Schoolboy and Schoolgirl Cup rugby league competitions.
All games will be exclusively livestreamed via KommunityTV.
ROUND 1
Wednesday, June 4
St James College v Ipswich SHS
Mabel Park SHS v Palm Beach Currumbin SHS
Keebra Park SHS v Stretton State College
So who will be the players leading the charge for their respective schools this season in the NRL Schoolgirls Cup?
National champions Ipswich, 2024 grand finalists Marsden SHS and Mabel Park SHS will lead the charge, with Marsden SHS and Mabel Park possessing particularly powerful sides.
But Keebra Park SHS will also be big movers this season, with an exciting crop of students fresh from powerful club seasons in the Harvey Norman U17s and U19s.
Last season’s newcomers St James will be better prepared, while PBC SHS have recruited the best in the business when it comes to schoolgirl coaching — league champion Veronica White.
Stretton State College, situated in a rugby league rich catchment, will also field a competitive side spearheaded by Alessana Betham, Bella Alo and Leevi Williams.
Here’s a form guide of who’s in hot form entering the schoolgirl season from the eight schools.
FOOTNOTE: The story excludes elite girls who played in NSW like Keebra Park SHS’s Aaliyah Te Mete (Indigenous Roosters) or Marsden SHS five-eight Evelyn Roberts (Canterbury).
FORM GUIDE
THE TOP 20
CARAYANIDIS TA’AKIMOEAKA-PULU (Marsden SHS)
One of the four most influential players in the Harvey Norman club season, prop Pulu was unstoppable at times for the Tigers and will again be a huge presence in the Schoolgirls Cup.
No defence could contain her across the course of a match.
OKALANI COMPTON (Keebra Park SHS)
Both Okalani Compton and Enah Desic, who is mentioned below, are borderline super women when it comes to rugby league and wearing the No. 9 jersey.
Compton attacks with her defence, threatens with her runs off the back of momentum, and is clever with the ball.
ENAH DESIC (Marsden SHS)
The Tigers may not have progressed to the grand final — and ultimately the premiership — without this outstanding dummy half.
Her energy in defence both in the line and in cover, uncanny IQ with the ball and goal kicking make her the complete package.
The inaugural Ted Puller awardee for Easts’ most promising player, Desic played in the halves last season but will return to her best position of hooker.
TORAH LUADAKA (Keebra SHS)
An outstanding playmaker, this elite halfback and goal kicker is one of the best in the business.
She has vision, a killer short kicking game, and can score herself from 90m out.
Luadaka’s combination with unsung hooker Diamond Graham will be on every opposition coaches mind.
LEILANI TAOFINUU (Marsden SHS)
Taofinuu was enormous as a second rower late in the club season after starting as a centre for the Tigers in its premiership campaign.
Signed by the Gold Coast Titans, the 2024 Queensland schoolgirls representative is at the top of her game.
RILEY-JAY HENRY-PURCELL (Marsden SHS)
A fabulously ferocious forward with subtle ball-handling skills, Henry-Purcell was an imposing power forward who wins the ruck and wrecks opposition defensive lines.
She is also intimidating in defence and puts an element of fear in the opposition.
MAMELE MISA (Mabel Park SHS)
Mele Misa will spearhead Mabel Park SHS’s campaign upfront.
So valuable was she, Misa would play most of the under-17 Harvey Norman match for Souths Logan — then back up and play in the under-19s an hour or so later.
Her sister Amaani, an Australian Schoolgirls select in 2024, will also feature strongly after missing the club season through injury.
ORIANNA CLARK (Ipswich SHS)
The dynamic edge forward played a big part in the Tigers’ claiming the Harvey Norman premiership this season.
After a near miss against the Cutters in 2024, where Clark was a key cog, the Ipswich State High student was to the fore again with direct running, tough defence and great reliability across a long season.
LISHAINAH ULUGIA (Ipswich SHS)
A key leader of the band during Ipswich SHS’s sweep of three grand final victories last season, Ulugua is a Bundamba bulldozer who can get a neat little pass away or quickly play the ball.
The Queensland Under-18 emerging squad member is a forward with the soft hands and skills of a spine player — and the goal kicking prowess of a half as well.
DELENI PAITAI (Marsden SHS)
A time-honoured elite junior, edge forward Paitai is primed and ready for her best season yet after gathering more experience as a representative player.
She was an attacking weapon for the Dolphins and equally potent in defence. As a result, she gained selection in the Queensland Under-18 emerging squad.
EMILY JACKWITZ (Ipswich SHS)
Is there a better backline defender in Queensland schoolgirls than Jackwitz?
She can run, rabbit run as well, don’t worry, but her defensive technique and reading of the line make her a Great Wall of China in the defensive line.
Fearless.
ALESSANA BETHAM (Stretton State College)
A standout during the harvey under-17s season for Souths, lock Betham was a highly-skilled forward with the endurance and strength of a prop and soft hands of a half.
A Broncos Academy member, Betham looms a huge threat wide of the ruck for newcomers Stretton.
OLIVIA FILIKITONGA (Keebra Park SHS)
Originally from Mt Albert in Auckland, Filikitonga’s power game will be a huge advantage to Keebra Park SHS during the school season.
Her influence upfront will help swing Keebra Park into striking position and perhaps premiership contention, if her stellar club season with Burleigh is any guide.
She was a wrecking ball, similar to Ta’akimoeaka-Pulu (Easts), with her unrelenting leg drive and refusal of going to ground.
jANIQUE MILI (Marsden SHS)
The Harvey under-17 Team of the Season fullback, Mili’s stepping and agility could cause opponents nightmares.
A small target, the mighty mite with quick feet and acceleration is always a big threat injecting herself into the backline or going up the guts
GENESIS TUPA’I (Keebra SHS)
One of the finest backs in the business, the Burleigh Bears centre played her way into the Team of the Season and the well-deserved coaches award for her deeds as skipper.
A Gold Coast Titans signee, Tupa’i was a potent edge weapon with blazing finishing power and an ability to put teammates over.
A noted leader, Tupa’i is one of Keebra Park’s school captains this year.
ETA SIKAHELE (Keebra Park SHS)
Sikahele is another reason why Keebra Park SHS could be the real deal this season.
A Titans NRLW prospect in the years to come, the powerful prop has gathered more experience training with Burleigh’s BMD squad after a big season for the under-19s side.
She has runs on the board, having made the all-conquering Queensland Schoolgirls team which took the national championships by storm last year in Coffs Harbour.
AFEENA FAAMAFU (Mabel Park SHS)
While Taofinuu (Marsden, Tigers) and Tupa’i (Keebra Park, Bears) got most pundits as centres during the club season, this under-age edge weapon demonstrated she was also a wonderful player of the future.
Faamafu’s positioning, awareness, instincts and power were features of her game and it has led to selection in the Queensland Schoolgirls 15-16 Years team.
SASKIA CROYSTON (PBC SHS)
The twin sister of MacKenzie mentioned later in this story, Croyston is a tremendous prop prospect, mobile and athletic. who shone in the high achieving Tweed Seagulls side this season. She has been promoted into the Seagulls’ BMD squad.
Nikeisha Ngaru (Marsden SHS)
A little Logan City livewire, Ngaru has impvoed out of sight over the past 12 months, learning plenty for Souths in club league, Marsden in school footy and Sunnybank in club rugby.
Slippery in confined spaces, the slightly built winger can finish backline shifts with precision and has the energy and acceleration to take advantage of tired bodies.
LEEVI WILLIAMS (Stretton State College)
A tall outside back, Williams will be a threat from anywhere on the field.
She is a wonderful athlete, a natural speed demon who gives Stretton genuine strike power entering the season.
Williams’ emergence comes at a great time after the graduation of revered fullback Fleur Ginn.
THE COMEBACK QUEEN
SIENNA IBRAHIM (Marsden SHS)
A multi-sport talent brimming with potential across multiple codes, centre Ibrahim made a successful return from an ACL injury when she performaned strongly for the premiership winning Tigers over the summer.
An Aussie rules, rugby and touch football ace, Ibrahim is like a well-oiled machine primed for her first season in the Schoolgirls Cup after switching from Brisbane SHS to Marsden SHS.
THE DIAMOND WHO SHINES BRIGHTEST
DIAMOND GRAHAM (Keebra Park SHS)
Graham was a ball of energy around the ruck for the Tweed Seagulls this season and she will eager to lead the way again off the back of momentum generated by her team’s forwards.
One reason halfback Torah Luadaka played so well at club level was because of Graham’s crisp service and timely runs from the ruck which give the classy Luadaka momentum to play off.
BEST PLAYER ON ICE (Marsden SHS)
LILI LEWIS (Marsden SHS)
A star in this age group, Lewis would obviously be in the top five of players in the competition, but she is on ice while she recovers from a back injury that prevented her from playing most of the Harvey Norman season.
If the quick-between-the-ears halfback does play, it won’t be until later in term three.
If she does return, Marsden SHS will be just that little bit closer to the premiership which cruelly alluded them last season.
Another of the competition’s guns, PBC SHS’s Lacey McLaren, will unfortunately miss the Reds debut season due to injury.
FAB FOUR FLAIR PLAYERS
SKYLAH SAMSON (Keebra Park SHS)
An explosive fullback, Samson is so highly thought of by the Gold Coast, she was named captain of the club’s under-17 side which played a pre-season match against Newcastle earlier this year.
The Tweed Seagulls outside back is just as dangerous tip-towing her way through the ruck as she is joying in sweeping movements.
YAMUN-GINDA KELLY (Keebra Park SHS)
Kelly played strongly at centre for Tweed, displaying natural flair you wouldn’t want to coach out of her.
Has vision, toughness and a sixth sense.
CHEZAAN KAINUI (Keebra Park SHS)
The talented Chezaan Kainui shone like a beacon for Burleigh during the under-17 club season.
The thought of her pairing up with halfback maestro Luadaka, and working off the back of hooker Compton and Graham, is enough to send chills up the spine of opposition players.
That will be an impressive spine.
DELANEY AH FOOK (Keebra Park SHS)
A rookie half, Ah Fook is an emerging talent who played her way into the hotly contested South Coast side recently.
She takes the line on, can skirt across the field to promote a player in a better position, or launch towering attacking bombs from near halfway.
She’s the full package.
WILDCARDS IN THE PACK
BARNKA JOYCE (Marsden SHS)
This swift, athletic edge forward is one to watch closely this season.
She played some bumper matches for Souths Logan during the club season and will be primed to help Marsden overcome the disappointment of last year’s late grand final loss to Ipswich SHS.
BELLA ALO (Stretton State College)
A high class, gifted athlete, Alo can take the game on herself, or use the running lines of teammates around her to the team’s advantage.
A key cog in Souths Logan’s under-17s and under-19s outfits, Alo has a great feel for the game and can create something from nothing for the Stretton Storm.
UNSUNG TALENT NO MORE
MARMIE NATI (Keebra SHS)
Souths Logan halfback hero Nati was the discovering player of the club season.
A revelation with her passing, Nati can also kick her side out of trouble or threaten with grubber kicks close to the line.
She is a terrific team halfback who finds a way to unravel defences and generate pointscoring opportunities.
PAULINE MOLIGA (IPSWICH SHS)
Moliga has been rising up the ranks at Ipswich State High and is at the peak of her powers now, having made the hotly Queensland Schoolgirls team.
A centre or wing, Moliga has been a key outside back for Ipswich’s junior teams coming through and has big-match experience against women bigger and older than her in the South East Premier Grade competition for Goodna.
MACKENZIE CROYSTON (PBC SHS)
The twin sister of Saskai, Croyston is a different style of player to her sister and plays hooker. But like her twin, Croyston is such a good prospect, the Tweed Seagulls promoted her into its BMD squad for the remainder of the club season. That’s the standard of player we are talking about.
SUMMER HOET (Ipswich SHS)
A wonderful leader and ball of energy in the dressing room, Ipswich Jet prime mover Summer Hoet will give her side plenty of middle forward clout as Ipswich SHS look to protect its title.
So respected is she, Hoet has been named co-captain alongside the team’s top forward, Orianna Clark.
CHARITY FAALOGO (Ipswich SHS)
Faalogo will enter the season full of beans after a powerhouse middle-forward effort for the Easts Tigers when she was an interchange energiser.
Faalago sprung off the bench and went bang, scoring tries and denting defensive lines for the under-19s premiers.
She will have a more prominent role for her school.
MYA TRONC (MARSDEN SHS)
Every side needs a player like Tronc — a middle forward who will get through a mountain of work.
Defensively very strong, Tronc is able to generate quick play the balls and is coming off an excellent campaign with the Redcliffe Dolphins.
NAMOE GESA (Marsden SHS)
In the Tigers all conquering Harvey girls premiership winning side, centre Gesa flew slightly under the radar. In a less star-studded side, she would be front and centre.
The tall outside back is full of power and will be a senior player, and an important player, for the Marsden Makos.
Indeed Gesa was an immovable rock in defence for Easts.
MILLA ROGERS (PBC SHS)
Rogers will be a key forward leader for PBC SHS in its first season of Schoolgirls Cup.
She was primarily an interchange middle forward for the Tweed Seagulls under-17s, and was as reliable as any.
The talented netballer is the type of player that can help alter the momentum of a set of six or plug a hole on the edge.
TUPOUTUA KING (Mabel Park SHS)
King was an unsung forward in Easts’ under-19s premiership and will be all-important for the Mabel Park girls in 2025.
Skilful for a forward, the Met East select lets her actions do the talking and works hard around the paddock.
TK ENKERA RAVEORA (Stretton State College)
A cross-code talent who plays rugby 7s with distinction, outside back Raveora is flying machine who can smash a game open with her explosive speed and power.
A rugby product of the Marit Ryze in Browns Plains, Raveora has been a tryscoring terror for Stretton, rugby 7s for the South Coast and for the Queensland Schoolgirls in both rugby and rugby league.
Sinaleti Tupu (St James)
Fast and ferocious, the wiry winger from the Redcliffe Dolphins was a revelation in club football and is coming off a season of firsts where she made the Queensland City side.
Watch for another St James player, Year 10 student Ofa Kalauta, to offer plenty if given the chance.
Young but strong, Kalauta was a battering ram centre for Redcliffe club football and could play well above her age and fit right in.
NEW FACE TO WATCH
JAE-JAE WICKLIFFE (Keebra Park SHS)
Originally from Rotorua Girls High, this livewire can play in the halves, fullback or hooker.
She impressed with the Burleigh Bears during the summer season, and if used in the senior side she could add a dimension either starting or with quick feet off the bench.
Also keep an eye on likely Stretton State College pair Te Rina Pearse and Benae Toloa.
MISS VERSATILE
Rosa-Millan Lefono (Marsden SHS)
The versatile Lefono will pack down in the back row, although she could easily pinch hit in the centres or on the wing.
Lefono sets a high standard on the field and in the gym at Marsden and looks primed for a big campaign after an ultra-consistent under-19s season on the wing for Easts.
ELIZABETH NGAHE (Keebra Park SHS)
Ngahe played every game for the Burleigh Bears during the Harvey under-19 season, starting on the wing, then playing centre and hooker before being used off the bench as No. 14.
She will pop up in Keebra’s 17 this season and is sure to do a very good job again.
LILLIAN DE LAUNAY (Keebra Park SHS)
De Launay played in four of the Bears’ under-19 matches, once on the wing and three times coming off the bench where her fresh legs were used to add zest to the Burleigh campaign.
LILLIAN DE LAUNAY (Keebra Park SHS)
Taulelei-Siala is coming off a season with the strong Tweed Seagulls club.
INTERCHANGE ACE
TEDASHII CORA (Keebra Park SHS)
Cora played in all but two of Tweed’s matches during the under-19 season, coming off the bench each time to help her side progress to the semi-finals.
The experienced she gathered in that competition will be invaluable.
Other Keebra school mates also contributed during the Harvey season, with Ava Kinikinilau starting one match as a winger for Tweed and featuring off the bench, while Faith Drollet twice came off the bench for Burleigh.
FUTURES WATCH
PEYTON FAKOSILEA (Marsden SHS)
An younger player, edge forward Fakosilea will be a Year 9/10 Div 1 player where she will be one of the team’s leaders after impressing throughout the club season.
The Queensland City representative selection loves a strong carries and is aggressive defence.
After a grand season helping the Tigers win the U17 premiership, Fakosilea was selected in the Queensland U16s schoolgirls.
TAHLI CAMPBELL (Ipswich SHS)
While Okalani Compton and Enah Desic had their names rightly put up in lights during the club season, this dynamic defender from Ipswich SHS was just so good for the Ipswich Jets.
One of the younger players in Ipswich’s team, Campbell’s toughness defies her small frame.
Her tenacity and tireless nature, tackling bigger bodies and scurrying from A to B, will surely inspire her Ipswich teammates.
IRIS SKEEN (Keebra Park SHS)
Nerang Rooster Iris Skeen played in every match across the Tweed Seagulls successful U17 season, starting most games at prop but twice being used off the bench and on another occasion being named at five-eight.
Skeen will add great depth to Keebra given her ability to play fullback, five-eighth, centre or second row.
JAYDA COLLINS and LEILANI TONGI-FINAU (Keebra Park SHS)
Take your pick out of this special crop of Keebra Park SHS students who were regulars for Burleigh in the U17 club competition earlier in the year.
Prop Tongi-Finau played every game while Collins missed just one match, while edge players Sharleen Kawana and Seneisha Hepi, along with middle forward Kyla Price, played at least four games each.
Marley Tauri (centre), Psalm Risati-Isaako and prop Salaina Taunuu also got on the field while other Keebra youngsters Reitumanava Ratima (Burleigh Bears), Waipari Leef (Burleigh Bears), Maleea Te Kotahi (Souths Logan Magpies) and Layla Campbell-Cook (Wide Bay Bulls) were part of Harvey U17 squads which gives Keebra a base for an exciting future.
Originally published as NRL Schoolgirls Cup 2025: Player form guide ahead of the season
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