NRLW Market Watch: Teagan Berry, Hannah Southwell and Tyla King closing in on new clubs
The leading tryscorer in NRLW history, Teagan Berry, will make a decision on her future within the next fortnight amid a hot chase from several heavyweight NRLW clubs – and she’s not the only sought-after star.
The leading tryscorer in NRLW history, Teagan Berry, will make a decision on her future within the next fortnight amid a hot chase from several NRLW clubs.
St George Illawarra are confident of re-signing their 22-year-old star from 2026 and beyond, but face a battle with competition heavyweights Brisbane and Sydney Roosters among a list of clubs in pursuit of the Dragons fullback.
Berry came off contact on November 1 and has become the most in demand player on the open market as she tests her value beyond the end of the upcoming season.
Her next contract is an important one, given she’s on the verge of representative duties and has been included as part of the NSW Origin and Jillaroos programs in the past.
Although she’s yet to make her debut for the Sky Blues or Jillaroos, she’s scored 29 tries in 32 games since making her NRLW debut in 2020 and has the potential to be the biggest star in the game as it moves towards professionalism.
Retaining her is a huge priority for the Dragons, who are busily rebuilding their squad for the future under new coach Nathan Cross and NRLW legend Sam Bremner, the club’s female football manager.
The Dragons freed up salary cap space by releasing former Rugby 7s star Tyla King for 2025, who is yet to find another NRLW club but has been linked to the Warriors and Cronulla.
King has returned to New Zealand and has not yet announced her plans for 2025.
The Paris Olympics gold medallist primarily played in the halves during her two seasons in the NRLW and would be a fit for the Sharks who lost halfback Tayla Preston to the Bulldogs for this season.
KNIGHTS EXITS
Cronulla is poised to announce the signing of former Newcastle forward Jacinta Carter on a two-year deal for this season.
In a move that will bolster the forward pack for last year’s grand finalists, Carter joins a stacked pack at the Sharks which includes Ellie Johnston and Caitlan Johnston, who is expecting a baby during the pre-season.
She becomes the latest player to exit the Knights ahead of 2025 after the club released both captain Hannah Southwell and star fullback Tamika Upton recently.
Southwell is yet to finalise a new deal but is expected to land a contract with a Sydney club within the next week.
SQUADS UPDATED
The Bulldogs announced their 22-person NRLW squad plus two development players at the club’s 90-year anniversary gala on Tuesday night.
Clubs have until May 12 to sign 22 of their top 24 players, but full squads need to be finalised by June 23, the week before round 1.
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