Girls on the rise: 80 players to watch in 2025 Lisa Fiaola, Tarsha Gale Cup competitions
Keep an eye on these names. The future of women’s rugby league is on show in the Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale Cups, and we look at 80 stars set to shine in this year’s competition.
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Keep an eye on these names, there’ll certainly be a few that will advance to the heights of the NRLW in the future.
The Lisa Fiaola (U17s girls) and Tarsha Gale (U19s women) Cups return for another season, showcasing the best female talent in Australia.
We take an in-depth look at the 80 players to watch in this year’s competitions.
JUMP TO
LISA FIAOLA CUP
Ocean Kaiwai-Rangikauhata (Canberra Raiders)
A new recruit into the Raiders system from Melbourne and she brings north with her a big back of tricks. The gifted playmaker has all the skills and has stood up as a real leader despite being a bottom-age player.
Adelaide Norris (Canberra Raiders)
Has been under the watchful eye of the Raiders for the past two years after they scouted the talented five-eighth. Very passionate about the game, the local junior has a knowledge beyond her years.
Evie Perry (Canberra Raiders)
Links with Canberra from a rugby league nursery in Wagga Wagga. Another bottom-age player in the Raiders ranks, Perry is a speedy centre who is the daughter for former Canterbury hooker Adam.
Evelyn Roberts (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Coming off a stellar season where she was crowned Player of the Year for the Fiaola Cup. The five-eighth has a good footy IQ and when the play breaks down she can turn nothing into something. Scary to think she will only get better in her second year.
Asha Taumoepeau-Williams (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Incredibly was just 15 years old when she played last season and finished the year as the second leading tryscorer in the whole competition. Such are the opinions on her, the Bulldogs have already secured her to an NRLW deal in the future.
Aliahana Fuimaono (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Enters into her second season of the Fiaola Cup with the Bulldogs as a strong second rower who brings a lot of strength to an edge. Has a very bright future as her game continues to develop.
Mia Vaotuua (Central Coast Roosters)
Showed how dangerous she can be out on an edge when she let the entire Lisa Fiaola Cup competition in tries scored. Was a genuine strike weapon and will again be a target in attack for the halves.
Talea Tonga (Central Coast Roosters)
During the season she was simply phenomenal for the Roosters, with the halfback taking out Player of the Year honours and deservedly so. Natural progression will see her as one of the best halfbacks in the competition.
Morgan Kernick (Central Coast Roosters)
Brings a strong bloodline into the mix for the Central Coast as the younger sister of NRLW star second rower Olivia. Morgan has only just turned 15 but she is impressing officials as a second row/middle player.
Sophia Brightwell (Cronulla Sharks)
Can fill a number of positions and is pretty handy with the boot as a goalkicker as well. She’s a rising halfback within the Sharks system who also featured as a fullback in the ASSRL Championships last year.
Charlotte Teplicanec (Cronulla Sharks)
Can fill a number of positions in the backline, but is especially lethal at fullback. Always willing to take on the line on a kick return, Teplicanec brings a level of excitement to the game that few others can.
Isabella McDonald (Cronulla Sharks)
Brings rep experience with school footy and was very impressive on show last year. The Sharks will be hoping she can replicate that with the dummy half relied upon to call the shots around the ruck.
Halle Barrett (Illawarra Steelers)
Showed a heap of promise both last season and during this pre-season as a damaging centre. The daughter of NRL legend Trent, Halle is a strong runner of the ball and hits hard in defence.
Ella Churchill (Illawarra Steelers)
Returns into the Illawarra system after spending last season with South Sydney. Churchill has been called upon for co-captain duties and her leadership qualities will have a key influence on the playing group.
Tahanni Kaufusi (Illawarra Steelers)
A big, strong front rower for the Steelers who enters into her second season of U17s action. Her biggest asset was her go-forward last season and that ability to break the line will be crucial.
Skye Spencer (Illawarra Steelers)
Will take the co-captaincy duties with Churchill and looks a natural leader. Was strong last season and her partnership with Ella Greatz in the halves has Illawarra officials excited about the heights they can reach.
Emily McArthur (Newcastle Knights)
The captain of the side who was ultra consistent in her role with the team as lock last season. Coming back for her second season, McArthur leads by example with her work rate as second to none.
Scarlet Hagan (Newcastle Knights)
A NSWCCC representative who played a big part in the Knights advancing to the second week of the finals last year. Super quick around the ruck as a classy dummy half who has a lot of upside.
Lily Porter (Newcastle Knights)
What she lacks in size as a front rower she makes up for it with her sheer determination and willingness to take on anybody. The type of player the halves can get behind to get the team on a roll.
Kathreen Siale (North Sydney Bears)
Returns after captaining the side last year. Bears officials see her as a player with NRLW ability due to her leadership and character. The front rower brings a lot of enjoyment to the team.
Timeka Collins (North Sydney Bears)
Played fullback last year and is adept at calling the shots from the back and helping her team in whatever way she can. Strong on kick returns and is getting better at chiming into the backline at the right time.
Aliyah Waipouri (North Sydney Bears)
Waipouri a halfback from the Penrith district who has come across to the North Sydney system and the Bears are delighted with that. She’s very talented and is good at leading the team across the park.
Tahli Curtis (Parramatta Eels)
Brings a netball background to the Eels and has made the most of those skills. An outside back who can put herself in the leading tryscoring mix if given decent opportunities. A strong finisher.
Bailey Ma-Chong (Parramatta Eels)
Ma-Chong is a leader among this group and was one of Parramatta’s most consistent last season. The dummy half will only get better in her second season and looks a player who can really kick on in the coming years.
Freedom Crichton-Ropati (Parramatta Eels)
Crichton-Ropati built a name for herself last year as a flyer in the backline and is a special talent who can go all the way. She boasts plenty of speed, agility and is always a threat from anywhere on the field.
Tia-Jane Golding (Penrith Panthers)
Has been given the nod to captain the side for the upcoming season, a reward for her ability and infectious energy she brings to the team. A St Marys junior who will lead with her actions at lock.
Isabella Papaa (Penrith Panthers)
From the rugby league nursery of St Marys, Papaa returns for her second season of Fiaola Cup with the Panthers and the damaging front rower will be looking to add more strings to her bow this time around.
Vasaliva Feleti (Penrith Panthers)
A representative of Tongan Schools, Feleti has the tools in her kit to become a star player within this side. Has the frame to feature as a strong centre who will pack plenty of punch close to the line.
Taya Donovan (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Will start the season at fullback and she has made a name for herself as an exciting talent after her showing for Central West Maliyan at the Koori Knockout. Will be given plenty of freedom at the back to showcase her skills.
Victoria Loleni (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Was one of South Sydney’s most consistent forwards throughout last year and will only improve in her second outing. Has the versatility to punch out minute as a middle or causing havoc on an edge.
Alaiela Dargin-Bell (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Another who was part of the CWM team at the Knockout, Dargin-Bell might be a bottom-age player but she will play with no fear in the centres. Explosive from short range and if given any room to move close to the line.
Alexis Fenton (St George Dragons)
Fenton has moved north from Victoria to join the St George Dragons program. Her skills were on show as part of the Victorian Schoolgirls outfit last year and she is a player who can strike in the centres.
Chantel Wilson (St George Dragons)
The ace up the sleeve of coach Renee Targett, Wilson has come down from Queensland and has the versatility to feature in a number of roles for the Dragons. She has a great footy IQ and the skills to play across the park.
Ruby King (St George Dragons)
A product of Charters Towers, King looks the type of player who can have an immediate impact in her new surrounds. Brings with her strong communication skills and good vision of the game.
Saige Tautalafua (Wests Tigers)
Brings a background in both netball and rugby union, despite being new to the game Tautalafua has shown skills and a willingness to learn. A raw talent but is agile, fast and is a forward going places.
Agnews (Jewel) Faaui (Wests Tigers)
Hard to believe that she just turned 16 last month. As a 15-year-old she was a regular standout in the side that made it to the grand final and the five-eighth will only come of age this season.
Dawn Tui (Wests Tigers)
Has a strong rugby league background as the sister of Eels and Samoan representative Lindsday, Dawn is a creative dummy half with a smart football brain. She’s ben described as fast, fit, strong and creative.
TARSHA GALE CUP
Elise Simpson (Canberra Raiders)
Returns after playing last season and was one of Canberra’s best during that campaign. A fullback who is on the humble side, yet boasts an electric ability to slice through the line, particularly in open space.
Mila Ah Key (Canberra Raiders)
Represented the Country U17s and the Monaro Colts product will take that experience on board as a bottom-age player this year. Ah Key is a mobile forward who has deceptive ball skills.
Summer Luamanu (Canberra Raiders)
Joins the program on a Raiders scholarship after making the move from Melbourne. The halfback is a reliable player who can guide this team around the park on the back of her kicking game.
Pauline Suli-Ruka (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Has secured an NRLW contract and is coming off a fantastic year as a middle forward. The Australian Schoolgirls representative has been a staple in reps side. Right in line for a first grade debut later this year.
Olivia Vaalele (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Comes into the Tarsha Gale side after leading the Fiaola Cup competition in points scored and helping the Bulldogs to an undefeated premiership. Already has experience in reserve grade at just 17 years old.
Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Signed to the NRLW program, such is the opinion the Bulldogs have of the young gun. The recruit from New Zealand enters her second season of Tarsha Gale Cup and is a five-eighth with a stack of ability.
Milla Caine (Cronulla Sharks)
The NSW CIS representative continues to take her game to new heights, pushing herself for higher honours and reaping the rewards. The daughter of former NRL talent Joel, Milla is a progressive outside back.
Marnie Isemonger (Cronulla Sharks)
Steps up for her second campaign at this level after impressing last year as a bottom-age talent. Is a versatile player who can put her playmaking boots on at five-eighth or link the field as lock.
Koffi Brookfield (Cronulla Sharks)
One of the best signings in the off-season, the Sharks have added halfback Brookfield to their books. Led the Steelers to a HNWP premiership last season and is a rising star despite being bottom-age this year.
Manilita Takapautolo (Cronulla Sharks)
Looks set for a massive year as Takapautolo looks to lock down a more permanent spot in the NRLW side. Had a taste of first grade last year and the boom back-rower featured off the bench in their tight loss to the Roosters.
Tahlia O’Brien (Illawarra Steelers)
Steps up into Gale Cup after captaining the Steelers’ U17s in 2024. An Australian Schoolgirls representative in rugby union, the hard-running second rower is a natural leader who the club wants to keep in league.
Maria Paseka (Illawarra Steelers)
Will take the reins as a co-captain of the side and is one of the most progressive players in the team. A fullback or winger, Paseka made the step up to HNWP and didn’t look out of place against older women.
Tori Shipton (Illawarra Steelers)
Shipton started the year in 2024 in Fiaola Cup and went on to play in HNWP, doing her bit in the premiership side. THE dummy half is smart in the sense of knowing the right time to pass and run.
Evah McEwen (Newcastle Knights)
Will be looking to solidify her place as one of the competition’s premier second rowers as she again lines up in the U19s. Went on to make her NRLW debut after impressing when given a shot at the HNWP level.
Maronay Smuts (Newcastle Knights)
Will be interesting to see how she handles the step up to Tarsha Gale, but if her starring role in Fiaola Cup is any indication, the young halfback will have no issues. Takes on the line and has a good boot on her.
Macey Cox (Newcastle Knights)
Was super impressive as the Knights made a finals run in the Fiaola Cup last season. A fullback with plenty of poise and plays with a fearless nature that makes her so exciting to watch.
Logan Lemusu (North Sydney Bears)
Another who can lay claim to be one of the best signings of the off-season, Lemusu joins the Bears from Parramatta and finished last year playing halfback with Mounties at just 17. A serious player on the rise.
Nikita E (North Sydney Bears)
A lightning quick outside back who will step into the role of five-eighth this year after featuring on the wing for Parramatta in Fiaola Cup last season. She can prove to be one of the more dangerous running halves in the division.
Tahlya Dower (North Sydney Bears)
Another of the new recruits at North Sydney and she looks a perfect fit within this playing group. Was named Rabbitohs Players’ Player in the Fiaola Cup and is a fullback who will enjoy playing off these halves.
Danielle Seckold (Parramatta Eels)
One of the most exciting outside backs in the Parramatta pathways who will have one eye on the NRLW in the years to come. A tryscoring machine who was exceptional in the HNWP last year at just 17.
Ryvrr-Lee Alo (Parramatta Eels)
A Cook Islands international who showcased her growth in the game on the world stage. Returns to the Eels for her second season of U19s and the middle forward brings a toughness to the forward pack.
Fontayne Tufuga (Parramatta Eels)
Got the call-up to reserve grade for Parramatta after a stint in the Fiaola Cup and certainly did a job as a second rower who rarely missed a tackle and was able to bust through the line. One with huge upside.
Chloe Pallisier (Penrith Panthers)
A new recruit from the Western Clydesdales in Toowoomba. Will have to step up in grade to this level but has shown that she is up for it. Gets first shot at the halfback jersey and has settled in well from all reports.
Matilda Vella (Penrith Panthers)
Was one of Penrith’s best in a tough initiation to Fiaola Cup last year. The lock is an exceptional talent in the middle of the field and has been named as captain despite being a year-young, such is the belief in the rising star.
Gisele Masun-Feleti (Penrith Panthers)
Another new recruit at Penrith after plying her trade with the Ipswich Jets in the U17s last season. What attracted the Panthers to her was her incredible speed around the ruck. The dummy half is unstoppable off a quick play the ball.
Taylor Nickson (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
After featuring on the wing and at fullback for the St George Dragons last season, Nickson is set for a greater responsibility at five-eighth in her new home. Showed the skills and running game to suggest she can handle it.
Kiara McGregor (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Was the shining light in a tough season for the Rabbitohs last year with the halfback going from Fiaola Cup to HNWP as a 17-year-old. Officials have a lot of faith in her to continue taking progressive steps as one of the best female players in their system.
Abbie Ritchie (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Came down from Queensland last year and really impressed as an edge player in her first year of Gale Cup. Will be better for that experience as was in fine form at club level following that season.
Bronte Morrison (St George Dragons)
St George officials are super excited about what she can do this season. A cenrre who came across from North Sydney, Morrion is a physical player who has been a standout in the trial games.
Jessica Stevens (St George Dragons)
Is exactly what the Dragons need as an experienced halfback from the Central Coast who has already had a taste of reserve grade action. She’ll be entrusted to lead this developing group up the ladder.
Gezreyal Maiu’u (St George Dragons)
Has an elite bloodline with her brother signed to the Warriors and sister with the Black Ferns. The Dragons see her as a second rower with the lines she runs and her ability to offload. Is a raw prospect but has the makings of a star.
Tyra Ekepati (Sydney Roosters)
Was named as the club’s Player of the Year as a bottom-age player and the NRLW-contracted fullback/outside back will be very eager to impress and show coach John Strange why she should make her debut later this year.
Georgie Barrett (Sydney Roosters)
An NRLW development player who takes over the running of the team at halfback. An exciting prospect given what she has shown so far as a running half who can get the team on the front foot with her strong boot.
Mahlie Cashin (Sydney Roosters)
Really impressed last year with Central Coast in the Fiaola Cup and is a dummy half the Roosters are keen to invest time and effort into. Only a slight frame but hits hard and never takes a backwards step in defence.
Sienna-Mae Montgomery (Wests Tigers)
A reliable player in whatever position she plays, especially out wide, Montgomery brings a level of experience from the HNWP that adds to this stacked roster. Will link extremely well with the halves.
Evie McGrath (Wests Tigers)
A gun playmaker, the clever No.6 pulled all the right strings for Illawarra in last season’s U19s grand final triumph. Clearly a star on the rise, the 18-year-old capped off a fine season with three NRLW appearances for the Tigers including a couple of wins.
Lucyannah Luamanu-Leiataua (Wests Tigers)
A key member of the Tigers’ side that played in last year’s Lisa Fiaola grand final, her untapped potential was also rewarded with appearances in the HNWP. A second-rower who the club will be looking to lock down long-term.
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