Takoda Thompson signs with Gold Coast Titans NRLW side for 2025 and 2026

One of Queensland’s top female rugby league talents has been elevated straight from a junior academy to a top 24 NRLW contract for the 2025 and 2026 season. See why this emerging star is one to follow.

Takoda Thompson in action for the Sunshine Coast Falcons under-19 female side. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography.

One of Queensland’s top female rugby league talents has been snapped up by the Gold Coast Titans from under the nose of their NRLW rivals.

Sunshine Coast Falcons and Kawana Dolphins talent Takoda Thompson has been offered a two-year contract with the Titans.

The 18-year-old, joined the club’s female academy at the end of 2024 after winning back-to-back player of the year honours for the Falcons under-19s side.

Thompson comes from a family of seven siblings and said rugby league was her only option as a child.

“I’ve got two older brothers, two younger brothers and three younger half sisters,” she said.

“My brothers are the main reason I got into footy because mum was taking them to training and games throughout the week so there was no real other option for me.”

Sunshine Coast Falcons under-19 girls star Takoda Thompson in action. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography.

The talented edge forward, who earned a sport in the Courier Mail’s Harvey U19 team of the season, quickly fell in love with the sport as a junior.

“When I started playing in under-9s I had to play with the boys for three years because there were no girls teams and it would’ve been very rare for me to play against another girl,” she said.

“The first girls team I was a part of was in the under-14s, I had to play up but that was the only option and now it’s so cool to see how many girls are playing the game.”

The Siena Catholic College graduate starred for the Queensland Country under-17s in 2023 and is currently a part of the Queensland under-19s emerging origin squad.

She said the jump from the U19s academy to the elite level was a surprising but welcomed move.

“I originally got a call from the club asking me to come in and maybe discuss a pathways contract,” she said.

“A few days passed and they said to hold off before then talking about offering me a development contract.

“I was still really excited but a few more days went by and they asked me to hold off again as so many things were changing and they were sorting out some moving pieces.

“They eventually offered me the top 24 contract which they said was very rare for players my age, especially on a two year deal.”

She is the most recent NRLW signing out of the region after Maarire Puketapu joined the New Zealand Warriors at the beginning of the year.

Thompson said she was extremely excited for the coming months.

“It’s all been a big shock, even after a few days of trying to let the news settle I’m still so stoked,” she said.

“I’d just love to learn as much as I can from the experienced players and get as much feedback as possible from the coaches and mentors.

“I just want to improve my game to hopefully make my debut when the time is right.”

Takoda Thompson and former Kawana Dolphins women's head coach Geoff Wheeler.

The versatile forward drew plenty of praise from Titans head coach Karyn Murphy.

“Takoda is one of the game’s brightest prospects and I’m thrilled to have her join the Titans,” Murphy said.

“She’s a hard worker and continually excels in a number of effort areas, including placing a huge emphasis on defence, and her ability to play in the back row and at lock will be hugely advantageous for us.

“She’ll also have a great opportunity to work alongside and be mentored by the likes of experienced duo Georgia Hale and Shaylee Bent and our coaching staff to help continue growing her career.”

Thompson said she owed a lot to her family and siblings while also thanking her coaches, teammates, the Kawana Dolphins and Sunshine Coast Falcons.

Originally published as Takoda Thompson signs with Gold Coast Titans NRLW side for 2025 and 2026