NRLW roster health check 2023: Transfer news, off-contract stars for every club
Newcastle has a chance to create an NRLW dynasty after back-to-back premierships, but some other teams need a huge overhaul to find success in 2024, writes Pamela Whaley.
Now that the NRLW season is over, the player market will start to heat up as all 10 clubs prepare for what’s next.
But there’s still a lot to be decided. The length of the NRLW season as well as the timing of it and possible expansion is all on the table for the Australian Rugby League Commission in the off-season.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has already flagged a complete overhaul of the women’s calendar, which is likely to include the state competitions running consecutively with the NRLW as a genuine reserve grade.
But with so much left to be decided about the competition itself, clubs and players are getting organised early to avoid disappointment.
Take a look at your club’s NRLW roster analysis below.
KNIGHTS
Players retained: (16) Abigail Roache, Caitlan Johnston, Felila Kia, Georgia Roche, Hannah Southwell, Jayde Herdegen, Jesse Southwell, Jules Kirkpatrick, Kayla Romaniuk, Laishon Albert-Jones, Rima Butler (PO), Shanice Parker, Tamerah Leati, Tamika Upton, Tayla Predebon, Yasmin Clydsdale
Off contract: (8) Caitlin Moran, Jasmin Strange, Nita Maynard, Olivia Higgins, Sheridan Gallagher, Simone Karpani, Tiana Davison, Viena Tinao
Analysis: The Knights are very well-rounded and have the chance to build a dynasty with this squad. Tamika Upton, Georgia Roche and Hannah and Jesse Southwell have all signed long-term deals at the club, so the basis of the spine is there to be built around, too. Coach Ronald Griffiths looks set to leave after back-to-back premierships, which could have an impact, though.
ROOSTERS
Players retained: (5) Kalosipani Hopoate, Keeley Davis, Millie Boyle, Otesa Pule, Isabelle Kelly
Off contract: (20) Alexandrea Kiriwi, Amber Hall, Amelia Pasikala, Brydie Parker, Corban Baxter, Grace Hamilton, Jayme Fressard, Jessica Sergis, Jocelyn Kelleher, Joeli Morris, Keilee Joseph, Lily Rogan, Mya Hill-Moana, Olivia Kernick, Shannon Rose, Shawden Burton, Tarryn Aiken, Tavarna Papalii, Teuila Fotu-Moala, Tyler Bentley
Analysis:The Roosters have just a handful of players signed for 2024, with the majority of their squad off contract for next year. That includes stars Jess Sergis and Tarryn Aiken. Now that coach John Strange has extended his deal to the end of 2026, the Roosters need to work on some stability in the squad itself.
TITANS
Players retained: (19) Chantay Kiria-Ratu, Dannii Perese, Destiny Mino-Sinapati, Emily Bass, Evania Pelite, Georgia Hale, Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell, Jamie Chapman, Jessika Elliston, Karina Brown (CO), Laikha Clarke, Lauren Brown, Niall Williams-Guthrie (CO), Rilee Jorgensen, Shannon Mato (PO), Shaylee Bent, Sienna Lofipo, Taliah Fuimaono, Zara Canfield (CO)
Off contract: (6) Brittany Breayley-Nati, Brooke Saddler, Kaitlyn Phillips, Sienna Laing, Sophie Buller, Stephanie Hancock
Analysis: The Titans have the basis of a strong squad for next year with just a few players coming off contract, including hooker Brittany Breayley-Nati and veteran forward Steph Hancock. Most for 2024, with only Lauren Brown, Dannii Perese and Jamie Chapman signed until the end of 2025.
BRONCOS
Players retained: (18) Ali Brigginshaw, Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala, Ashleigh Werner, Brianna Clark, Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Destiny Brill, Gayle Broughton, Hannah Larsson, Hayley Maddick, Jada Ferguson, Jasmine Fogavini, Julia Robinson, Lauren Dam, Mele Hufanga, Shenae Ciesiolka, Tazmin Gray, Tafito Lafaele, Romy Teitzel (PO)
Off contract: (6) Filomina Hanisi, Grace Griffin, Lavinia Gould, Mariah Denman, Narikah Orchard, Toni Hunt
Analysis: The Broncos have most of their squad wrapped up for next season and beyond, with only six players coming off contract next season. Queensland forward Romy Teitzel has a player option in her favour.
RAIDERS
Players retained: (12) Apii Nicholls, Ashleigh Quinlan, Chanté Temara, Felice Quinlan, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Grace Kemp (PO), Mackenzie Wiki, Madison Bartlett, Monalisa Soliola, Simaima Taufa, Sophie Holyman, Zahara Temara
Off contract: (13) Ahlivia Ingram, Alanna Dummett, Cheyelle Robins-Reti, Elise Smith, Ella Ryan, Emma Barnes, Jessica Gentle, Kerehitina Matua, Petesa Lio, Shakiah Tungai, Tara Reinke, Tommaya Kelly-Sines, Ua Ravu
Analysis:The Raiders were smart about recruitment and prioritised stability in their first season of NRLW, locking in around half of their squad including co-captains Simaima Taufa and Zahara Temara on multi-year deals. But they’ve allowed room to move with some of their fresh talent, limiting the amount of turnover to whatever is necessary to have a better season next year but also prot
SHARKS
Players retained: (15) Andie Robinson, Cassie Staples, Ellie Johnston, Emma Tonegato, Georgia Ravics, Harata Butler, Jazmon Tupou-Witchman, Holli Wheeler, Jada Taylor, Quincy Dodd, Talei Holmes, Tayla Preston, Tegan Dymock, Tiana Penitani, Vanessa Foliaki
Off contract: (9) Annessa Biddle, Brooke Anderson, Chloe Saunders, Fatafehi Hanisi, Fiona Jahnke, Kiana Takairangi, Maddie Studdon, Rhiannon Byers, Sereana Naitokatoka
Analysis: The Sharks have moved similarly to the Raiders in the player market, and have opted for some stability in their roster as they grow as a new franchise. Having nine players off contract means they have space to make decisions for the new season.
DRAGONS
Players retained: (9) Bobbi Law, Ella Koster, Kaarla Cowan (PO), Macie Carlile (MO), Margot Vella (MO), Raecene McGregor, Taylor Mapusua (MO), Teagan Berry, Zali Hopkins
Off contract: (15) Alexis Tauaneai, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Cheynoah Amone, Cortez Te Pou, Jamilee Bright, Keele Browne, Maddison Weatherall, Renee Targett, Roxette Murdoch, Sara Sautia, Sarah Riordan, Shenai Lendill, Sophie Clancy, Tara McGrath-West, Tyla Nathan-Wong
Analysis: The Dragons have recently extended top-tryscorer Teagan Berry and Kiwi halfback Raecene McGregor, signing which have come off the back of Jamie Soward re-signing with the club in a full-time role. They had a tough season with inexperience, and they desperately need at least one or two powerhouse forwards to steel their pack next year.
TIGERS
Players retained: (13) Botille Vette-Welsh, Christian Pio, Ebony Prior, Emily Curtain, Kezie Apps, Leianne Tufuga, Losana Lutu, Najvada George, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Rikeya Horne, Sarah Togatuki, Sophie Curtain, Tess Staines
Off contract: (11) Bianca Bennetts, Eliza Siilata, Folau Vaki, Hope Tevaga, Imogen Gobran, Jakiya Whitfeld, Jessica Kennedy, Josie Lenaz, Rebecca Pollard, Salma Nour, Taylor Osborne
Analysis: Like the Raiders and Sharks, the Tigers have gone for some stability leading into 2024 and beyond with around half of the squad retained, but a good chunk of developing talent off-contract. Winger of the year Jakiya Whitfeld was one of their standout players in 2023, but is one of 11 off-contract for the club.
COWBOYS
Players retained: (19) April Ngatunpuna (CO), Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly (CO), Bree Chester, Emma Manzelmann, Essay Banu, Francesca Goldthorp (PO), Jasmine Peters, Jessikah Reeves, Jetaya Faifua, Kirra Dibb, Makenzie Weale, Merewalesi Rokouono (MO), Sareka Mooka, Shaniah Power, Shaylee Joseph (PO), Shellie Long, Tahlulah Tillett (CO), Tiana Raftstrand-Smith, Vitalina Naikore
Off contract: (5) China Polata, Krystal Blackwell, Mia Middleton, Sera Koroi, Tallisha Harden
Analysis: The Cowboys went hard and fast in the player market this season, and as a result they don’t have much room to move with their roster in 2024. Five players are off contract but they have club options for three others, a player option with young fullback Francesca Goldthorp and a mutual option with Merewalesi Rokouono. Star rookies Mia Middleton and China Polata will be priorities to re-sign as well.
EELS
More Coverage
Players retained: (10) Abbi Church, Cassey Tohi-Hiku, Elsie Albert, Kennedy Cherrington, Madeline Jones, Monique Donovan, Rachael Pearson, Rosemarie Beckett, Ruby-Jean Kennard, Zali Fay
Off contract: (14) Amelia Mafi, Capri Paekau, Jade Fonua, Kelsey Clark, Kimberley Hunt, Kyra Simon, Mahalia Murphy, Nakia Davis-Welsh, Pihuka Berryman-Duff, Rueben Cherrington, Shannon Muru, Shontelle Stowers, Talesha O’Neill, Tyla Amiatu
Analysis: The Eels had a disappointing season by anyone’s standard, but they’ve undergoing a huge change in the club which was signaled by Dean Widders walking away from his head coach position. Before making any considerations on his replacement they will go through a full review of the season which will help them make some big calls on the roster too. More than half are off-contract, but there needs to be changes. It should be helped with the inclusion of a Harvey Norman Women’s side into the state competition next season.
Originally published as NRLW roster health check 2023: Transfer news, off-contract stars for every club
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