50 of the brightest young talents, NRLW stars to watch in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership
The Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership is underway with some of rugby league’s best players, as well as up and coming young guns featured. Check out our 50 players to watch for the 2023 season.
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WITH the women’s game continuing to surge, this year’s Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership is shaping as the biggest ever.
Two rounds in and we’re already seeing players make their mark against the best players in the state.
NewsCorp looks at 50 of the brightest young talents and established NRLW stars set to shine in this year’s Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.
NITA MAYNARD (NORTH SYDNEY)
Her record speaks for itself.
One of the most credentialed players in the competition, Maynard is a long-time New Zealand representative who has starred in the NRLW competition for years.
Has worn the sky blue of NSW, and her game IQ will prove invaluable for the Bears throughout 2023.
SARAH TOGATUKI (NORTH SYDNEY)
Entering the prime of her career and is ready for a massive season.
Has been a long-time member of the Sydney Roosters and won a premiership with the club in 2021.
Only slight in stature at just 159cm, but she is one of the most devastating ballrunners in the sport and always hard to bring down.
RIKEYA HORNE (NORTH SYDNEY)
A versatile young gun from Shellharbour who is coming off a strong year with Parramatta at the elite level.
A good pick-up for the Bears who adds pace, strength and the ability to score at will, already coming off a double at the weekend.
Will be in the NRLW for a long time to come.
KALOSIPANI HOPOATE (NORTH SYDNEY)
One of the brightest young prospects in this competition at just 18 years of age, the daughter of John is coming off a massive season.
She made her NRLW debut with the Roosters after playing a key role in the Tarsha Gale side taking out the title.
SELI MAILANGI (NORTH SYDNEY)
We’ve seen her in the top flight with Parramatta and the crafty lock is now part of a star-studded forward park at the Bears.
So experienced and a player who competes at an elite level, Mailangi, along with teammate Hopoate, has represented Mate Ma’a Tonga.
MONIQUE DONOVAN (CRONULLA)
The former Rabbitohs and Indigenous All Stars representative links with Cronulla after three seasons in the red and green.
Featured in the 2021 All Stars game, and the talented centre has already made an impression with a double in her Sharks debut.
Can stamp herself as one of the competition’s most explosive strike weapons.
MADDIE STUDDON (CRONULLA)
A player with plenty to prove this season.
The star halfback didn’t feature in the last NRLW season, the first time we haven’t seen her participate in the feature competition.
She’s played for New South Wales and Australia in the past, and will be desperate to put her best foot forward and get back into NRLW calculations for 2023.
TEGAN DYMOCK (CRONULLA)
The Tongan representative has made a big impression since taking on league, including making the New South Wales U19s.
Got a taste of NRLW last year with the Dragons, and if the lock continues on an upwards trajectory, there’s no telling how far she can go.
NATASHA PENITANI (CRONULLA)
The sister of NRLW and rep star Tiana, Natasha is forging her own path in the competition as an impact player for Cronulla.
Has worn the red of Mate Ma’a Tonga and the forward will use that experience to have a breakout year among the state’s elite players. Has a good engine and gets through a lot of work.
ZALI HOPKINS (CRONULLA)
Just 20 years of age and really looks like she is set to kick on big time.
Got her first taste of NRLW with the Dragons last year and had a strong season, as well as being a key member of the Sharks set up.
Brings a good OzTag background and forms a lethal partnership with Studdon in the halves.
SIMAIMA TAUFA (MOUNTIES)
A hard-as-nails forward who refuses to take a backwards step.
Taufa’s CV is as impressive as they come with Australian and NSW honours under her belt, as well as forging a long career in the NRLW.
Was named as the best player in the women’s game in 2017.
MATILDA POWER (MOUNTIES)
A very promising player who gets the chance to lead the Mounties charge in the halfback role.
Has had the opportunity to be around the NSW Origin set up, as well as being in the St George Illawarra NRLW squad.
Can really push her claims for an NRLW spot for the upcoming season with a strong showing at this level.
MACKENZIE WIKI (MOUNTIES)
The daughter of Canberra Raiders legend Ruben, Mackenzie came into her own and the spotlight for the Cook Islands at the World Cup.
A dangerous player at the back who chimes in at the right time, she provides Mounties with a strong attacking element for their finals push.
BROOKE WILKINS (MOUNTIES)
While she hasn’t created the headlines some others on this list have, the classy outside back is hungry and set to impress.
After helping Mounties to a premiership in the NSWRL conference last year as captain, she deserves her chance to shine here.
JAMIE-ANNE WRIGHT (MOUNTIES)
A hardworking back rower who shapes as a real forward leader in the pack.
Has been around the Parramatta NRLW squad last year and is another who gets her shot to really impress and make the other clubs take notice.
Her experience at this level has been invaluable.
TYMEKQWA DUCKETT (SOUTH SYDNEY)
Was in the Emerging NSW system a few years back and gets her chance to shine at his level.
Had some time off for the birth of her child, but really returned in good fashion to help La Perouse claim a NSWRL conference premiership last year.
A strong forward who looks set to provide a big impact off the bench for the Rabbitohs this year.
SIAN FILIPO (SOUTH SYDNEY)
The NSW Countrty representative adds an element of flair to the Rabbitohs when she lines up in the halves.
Brings a touch background to the sport that saw her star at the NSW State Cup for Western Suburbs, as well as getting her chance to shine for NSW Country at last year’s Women’s Championships.
PIHUKA DUFF (SOUTH SYDNEY)
Another player with a strong touch background after lining up for Northern Beaches at the State Cup.
Lines up in the halves alongside Filipo, giving South Sydney a pair of livewires steering the ship. A very progressive player in the code.
PAIGE KNAPP (SOUTH SYDNEY)
The winger made a huge impression when lining up for Camden last year in the Macarthur competition, and has carried that form into her stint with Souths.
In her two games to date she has already crossed the stripe in both, a pacy type worthy of player of the honours in 2022.
ZALI YEO (ILLAWARRA)
New to the Steelers scarlet and white this year is Zali Yeo, who certainly has good footy genes.
Younger sister to Penrith Panthers captain Isaah Yeo, Zali is getting her first taste of NSW Women’s Premiership footy, having come through the Tarsha Gale system at the Parramatta Eels.
Yeo is a dangerous winger, and at just 19 years old she has great potential to grow into a star player
TALIAH FUIMAONO (ILLAWARRA)
A marquee signing for the Steelers from the Dragons NRLW side.
Another with footy in her genes, with her brother Tyrell Fuimaono lining up in the second-row for the Dragons in the NRL.
Fuimaono has fit into the Steelers system very well and brings a lot of quality and experience to the side.
KEZIE APPS (ILLAWARRA)
A major recruit for the Steelers, Apps is one of the most decorated NRLW players of all time.
The second-rower was the 2016 Dally M Women’s Player of the Year.
Moving from the red and white of St George to the scarlet and white of Illawarra, Apps will no doubt be major to the Steelers’ success this season.
SALMA NOUR (ILLAWARRA)
A talented hooker who came through the Tarsha Gale ranks with the Steelers before moving to the Dragons in the NRLW.
A former ice hockey and OzTag player, Nour is fast and elusive in the number nine jumper.
Nour has represented NSW at U19s level, and brings a good amount of experience to the squad at just 20 years old.
SHAKIAH TUNGAI (ILLAWARRA)
Gives the Steelers an element of class on the wing, and she knows how the find the tryline when given any space.
Joined the Broncos last year and has a wealth of rep experience with NSW, Australia and the Indigenous All Stars.
GEORGIA EDWARDS (ST GEORGE)
Halfback Georgia Edwards is an exciting prospect in her first year of this competition.
She brings plenty of enthusiasm and a great footy knowledge to the St George halves.
A great visionary and general in the middle of the park with a quality workrate.
TAIMANI KOLOMAKA (ST GEORGE)
A quality second-rower who has come through the Roosters youth system.
She brings great energy and defensive efficiency to the side.
ELIZABETH DOUGLAS (ST GEORGE)
A former Australian representative in touch footy playing her first year of rugby league.
Playing in the five-eight role, the club is really excited to see what skills she can bring from one code to the other.
GEORGINA BROOKER (ST GEORGE)
Leading by example, the captain of the side is an absolute workhorse.
Playing in the prop role, she works harder than anyone on the park week in week out and brings great leadership to the side.
SHAWDEN BURTON (CENTRAL COAST)
A hooker who is looking to go to another level this season.
A Central Coast local who made a couple of bench appearances in the NRLW last season, but is looking to cement her mark on the no. 9 jersey this year and elevate her game.
JAYME FRESSARD (CENTRAL COAST)
A former NRLW Premiership winner with the Broncos, now back to her home on the Central Coast.
A fullback/centre who is said to have trained harder than ever this pre-season.
As a results she’s fitter and sharper than ever.
ALIYAH NASIO (CENTRAL COAST)
A future star of women’s rugby league.
At just 16 years old, the club had to get special clearance to allow her to play in the Women’s Premiership.
Described as Sonny Bill-like in her play style, she has great aggression and intelligent movement for a back rower, with a strong offloading game.
JESSIKAH REEVES (CENTRAL COAST)
A prop forward who was signed after her performance with Papua New Guinea at the Women’s World Cup, the only player the Roosters signed like this.
Playing through the middle, she’s a strong forward player, tough and aggressive, and a great ball mover.
OLIVIA KERNICK (CENTRAL COAST)
A back-rower who has come storming onto the scene in a big way, impressing for the Roosters in her NRLW debut season and representing the NSW Sky Blues to cap off a remarkable season.
Her career is only just getting started and we’re excited to watch it unfold.
HOLLI WHEELER (CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN)
An old school enforcer, the Taree born prop has mixed it with the best in a career that has reached lofty heights with the NSW Blues and Jillaroos. A former hockey rep, Holli also plays lock, and last year averaged 117 run metres in six outings for the NRLW Dragons.
GAYLE BROUGHTON (CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN)
The Kiwi sevens Olympic Gold medallist brings a wealth of experience to the Bulldogs. A scheming fullback, Gayle played NRLW for the Eels in 2022, and this season co-captained the victorious Maori All Stars team in Rotorua.
SHANNON MURU (CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN)
Recruited from the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Shannon is an up-and-coming backrower who cut her teeth with Ponsonby in New Zealand rugby union.
SHENAI LENDILL (CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN)
A Mona Vale Raiders junior from Sydney’s northern beaches, Shenai is pacy outside back and arrives at the Bulldogs having spent last season with North Sydney.
RUEBEN CHERRINGTON (CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN)
A real up and comer of league, the talented dummy half has lined up for the NSW U19s as well as Parramatta in NRLW.
With sister Kennedy established in league circles, the duo will make headlines for years to come.
ELSIE ALBERT (WENTWORTHVILLE)
The gatekeeper of Wenty’s middle, Elsie is a damaging forward known for putting fear into the opposition. A familiar face for the PNG Orchids, the international prop’s powerhouse charges made her an instant hit for St George in last season’s NRLW.
RIMA BUTLER (WENTWORTHVILLE)
Rima is another gun in the Magpies pack just as capable up front or in the back-row. A Minto Cobra’s junior, last year her deceptive speed and crafty offload caught the eye of Parramatta NRLW talent scouts and also won her selection in the City and NSW Maori squads.
KAILEY THOMPSON (WENTWORTHVILLE)
An interstate success story, Kailey is an inspirational playmaker who hails from Western Australia. Having learned her craft with the Ellenbrook Rabbitohs and WA Maori’s, the organising halfback has kicked on to be named Wenty captain.
ROSEMARIE BECKETT (WENTWORTHVILLE)
With speed to burn, the Windsor and St Marys product is a livewire at fullback or in the halfback jumper. Still a junior, Rosemarie represented the under-19 NSW Blues last season and backed it up with selection in Parramatta’s NRLW development squad.
CHRISTIAN PIO (WESTS TIGERS)
A powerful middle forward, the St Clair Comets junior brings a wealth of experience to the Tigers pack. A regular City rep, Christian kicked off her NRLW career with the Roosters development squad in 2020 before finding continuity during the last two seasons at Parramatta.
EMILY CURTAIN (WESTS TIGERS)
This three-times Muay Thai world junior champion doubles as a halfback who celebrated with the Blues inaugural Under-18’s winning Origin team. In a resume full of big hits, last year, the Eagle Vale St Andrew’s junior landed an NRLW gig with the Gold Coast Titans.
ELIZA SIILATA (WESTS TIGERS)
Eliza is a proud Campbelltown junior who continues to climb the ranks. In 2019, the tenacious lock represented the Samoan under-16s side before going on to play three seasons in the Tigers’ Tarsha Gale Cup side, captaining the team in her final season last year.
RUBY-JEAN KENNARD-ELLIS (WESTS TIGERS)
A no-nonsense back-rower, Ruby-Jean developed her taste for the game at the All Saints Toongabbie Tigers. Earmarked as one to watch from an early age, she has represented NSW in under-19s Origin and last season forced her way into the NRLW at Parramatta.
JESSE SOUTHWELL (NEWCASTLE)
At just 18, the promising half had a year to remember in 2022. After winning Commonwealth Gold with the Aussie Rugby Sevens side, the Kotara Bears junior crossed the stripe for Newcastle in the Knights NRLW grand final victory. Still juggling both codes, Jesse is blessed with a strong running and kicking game.
TYLAH VALLANCE (NEWCASTLE)
An aggressive centre and fullback, Tylah returns after taking a break in 2022. With speed off the line, look for her form to improve as the season progresses.
KAYLA ROMANUIK (NEWCASTLE)
An impressive Harvey Norman season in 2022 saw the lock forward rewarded with a debut for the Knights in the NRLW. With a big engine, the rapidly developing ballplayer from Kurri Kurri is now the mainstay of the Newcastle pack.
BREE CHESTER (NEWCASTLE)
A crafty line runner, Bree is a backrower on the rise. A Knights NRLW development player in 2022, she returns to Harvey Norman competition following selection in the Indigenous All Stars squad. With a sound tackling technique, the reliable Knight is a coaching dream.
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