NRLW radar: 50 quality players pushing for first grade in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership
They’re starting the season in reserve grade and pushing their claims for a spot with the elite in the NRLW. We look at 50 players to watch in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.
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The Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership grows to 12 teams in 2025, again serving as a reserve grade competition to the NRLW.
With players looking to press their claims for a spot in the top flight, the action promises to be fierce with plenty on the line.
With the new season underway, we look at 50 players to watch in this year’s competition.
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CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
PHOENIX LAMESE
Fantastic addition for the Bulldogs as they prepare for their first NRLW charge. The Roosters Tarsha Gale forward of the year in 2024, front-rower Lamese graduated to HNWP with the Central Coast. Brings a force to the middle of the field and is right in line for a first grade debut.
AMIRAH EL-ABDALLAH
Showed her versatility throughout the U19s season with the Bulldogs and now gets her chance to shine in this grade. Has all the tools to be successful here and the City U17s representative will inject plenty of energy from the 14 role to start the season.
LAHNAYAH DANIEL
Still only 18 but already making such a big impact within the junior reps scene. The powerful forward was excellent in Canterbury’s inaugural Lisa Fiaola Cup win and will have no issues handling the rise in class. A family affair with sister Shaquaylah and aunty Shaniece in the NRLW squad.
ANNEKA WILSON
Was picked up by the Bulldogs along with sister Leilani after a stellar season with Wentworthville in last season’s HNWP. Only recently turned 22, the St Christophers junior will look right at home in the blue and white as she guides the team as halfback.
CENTRAL COAST ROOSTERS
ELLIE BRANDER
A tough middle in every sense of the word, who knows how to get across the line as well. A two-time Country representative out of the strong Central Coast Sports College, Brander’s career is on an impressive trajectory that looks set to continue this season.
SIENNA THOMAS
A teammate of Brander at CCSC is Thomas, a Wyong junior who is taking big strides as a half on the rise. There’s a lot of positive traits to her game, especially the fact she likes to play at the line. In the right system to take her game to another level.
TYRA EKEPATI
One of the Roosters’ best throughout the U19s season, Ekepati steps up to an NRLW contract this season and is expected to make her debut at some stage. Has a year of experience at this level and is coming off a recent appearance for the NSW U19s.
SIENNA DEELEY
A natural leader despite being so young, teammates will look for the middle forward to do just that from the front. Was a regular with this side last season and the Wyong junior looks primed for another strong campaign.
IMOGEN HEI
Hard to believe she’s still only 19 given her experience so far. A Queensland U19s representative who is right on the cusp of making her NRLW debut, Hei will be looking for a strong start to the year to push for her claims for a first grade appearance.
CRONULLA SHARKS
TIA-JORDYN VASILOVSKI
Injuries put a halt to Vasilovski’s campaign last year, but getting anywhere close to her best makes her one of the most exciting players in this competition. Part of the NRLW development list at Cronulla where the classy fullback gets to learn from superstar Emma Verran.
STEPHANIE FAULKNER
Another in the development squad, Faulkner has been a captain throughout her time within Cronulla’s junior reps system, entering at Fiaola level and a regular in reserve grade last year. Middle forward with a high workrate, she’ll put pressure on the first grade forwards to perform each week.
GENEVIEVE MAFI
Used primarily as an impact forward throughout the Tarsha Gale Cup season with Cronulla and will do the same in reserve grade. Such a powerful front rower who opposition defences at times have no answer for. Already on the board for a try in the season opener.
GEORGIA WILLEY
Cronulla will be very happy to have her on the books. Willey came through the Canberra system and made her debut at NRLW level with the Raiders last season. But now the fleet-footed winger is in the Shire and they’re stoked to have the elite finisher in the squad.
ILLAWARRA STEELERS
ALLY BULLMAN
Astute signing from the Steelers. Captained the Roosters to a Tarsha Gale premiership in 2023 and has represented the Australian Schoolgirls. Can really stand out at this level as a middle forward with plenty in the tank.
MADDIE STUDDON
Almost a full-circle moment for Studdon. Played with Helensburgh over a decade ago, rising to the ranks of the Jillaroos from the region. Has captained her state at Origin level and brings a wealth of experience to the program. Will have a great influence on halves partner Georgie Barrett.
JADE HARDING
Outside back and prolific tryscorer who joins the Steelers after a couple of years in the Canberra Raiders junior reps system. Competition for spots is hot in the backline, but Harding is the type of player who can put pressure on those and work her way into the side.
MACKENZIE LEAR
Takes the reins as captain this year and has the task of living up to last year’s heroics when they won the comp. The type of player who won’t shirk at that task, with the front rower always leading by example. A strong runner of the ball who brings mobility and a fast play the ball.
MOUNTIES
GWEN SWANN
Was Mounties’ top tryscorer during last year’s campaign and that strike out on an edge is what they need to go that extra length this season. Hard to bring down and can run a line as good as anybody in this competition. Genuine threat on an edge.
PIPER SUTTON
One of Mounties’ best last year and they’ll be looking for a similar output in 2025. A hardworking middle who can punch out plenty of minutes and make metres in her sleep. Just as adept on the defensive side of things and
SIULOLO RICHTER
A new face at Mounties, joining Illawarra teammate Liesl Hopoate in the black and gold. Richter is coming off a NSW U19s appearance and really saw her game excel at the Steelers this season. Brings an energy and intensity to every game she plays.
JAYLA COMMINS
Comes to Mounties after spending time in both the Illawarra and South Sydney junior rep programs. Linked with Mounties for the NSWRL Open Women’s season and will form a one-two punch out of dummy half with Tyler Pelligra.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
TESS STAINES
A Wagga talent who already boasts 11 games of NRLW experience and is striving to get into that top team as soon as possible. The outside back starts the season in reserve grade and can make an immediate impact with her speed on the flank.
CARISSA REID
Played a big part in helping the Knights to last year’s HNWP grand final. A strike edge in every sense of the word who is capable of getting across the line and provides a weapon on an edge for their halves. Starts the year in the second-row but just as adept in the centres.
KAYLA HENDERSON
Was one of Penrith’s best throughout the Tarsha Gale Cup season, earning selection in the NSW U19s squad. Incredible pick-up by Newcastle of the fullback who has also spent time in the strong Canterbury pathway. Look for her kick returns and explosive running of the ball.
GRACE GIAMPINO
Was with the Bulldogs last year and adds plenty of power in the front row. Comes to Newcastle as part of the NRLW development squad and the Queenslander will be pushing her claims through these early rounds as to why she deserves a crack in first grade.
PARRAMATTA EELS
MATISSE BETTRIDGE
A young half who joins the Eels after a successful campaign with Manly last year, making the transition from Tarsha Gale Cup to HNWP. Was a crucial part of their rise to the U19s finals and is a handy pick-up in a key position.
LIAINA DIMECH
Made the jump from U19s to reserve grade last year and acquitted herself well, earning eight games at this level. Provides a real impact off the bench as a middle forward and the All Saints Toongabbie junior gets the chance to show why she can impact first grade.
KIANA TAKAIRANGI
A 13-game NRLW player who has represented New Zealand and the Cook Islands throughout her football journey so far. Not only an outstanding talent in the centres, but has coaching experience and will serve as a real leader among the playing group.
AALYIAH SOUFAN
Partnering Bettridge in the halves will be Soufan, who is coming off a fantastic Tarsha Gale season with the Eels. Led them to a premiership and is preparing for her second season at this level as an elite halfback with a good kicking game and game management skills.
PENRITH PANTHERS
NAT WEBB
The Warwick product has been a revelation since moving south to follow her footy dreams. A captain with the Philippines, Webb was one of Canterbury’s most consistent throughout the HNWP season last year. Gets first crack in the centres but can fill just about every spot in the backline for Penrith.
BROOKE WILKINS
A late bloomer to rugby league, Wilkins has certainly shown she is a natural as she continues to push towards the top. Makes the move from Mounties where she has featured over the past few seasons. Recovered from an ACL injury a few years back to lead the charge at halfback.
MATILDA VELLA
One of the real star talents with the Panthers pathways and the Emu Plains junior has been rising through the ranks. A natural leader who we’ve seen in the back-row for Penrith and halfback at club level, Vella is the type of player who will perform in whatever role she is given.
JADE ELFORD
Classy fullback from St Marys who is the daughter of former Panther Shane. Elford has progressed through the grades with the club. One of the younger players in the squad, but the fullback has blistering pace and is an excitement machine whenever she touches the ball.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
REBECCA RILEY
Will be a valuable source of experience in a largely young side. Riley has done plenty in the women’s game, including representing NSW in State of Origin and winning the HNWP previously with Redfern. Commands plenty of respect and a leader among the group.
CHARLIZE BARRETT
On the other end of the spectrum is young gun Barrett, who came down from North Queensland to chance her hand at making it in league. After a stint with North Sydney in Tarsha Gale last year, the talented edge has been performing well for Pennant Hills Cherrybrook.
NANCY SULLIVAN
Took major strides last year, graduating from Tarsha Gale to the HNWP with the Rabbitohs. The front rower was crowned best forward and they were keen to retain her services. Gives them plenty of go-forward
JAZMON TUPOU-WITCHMAN
Such was her form with the Rabbitohs last year, she earned a call up to NRLW with North Queensland. Returns to the red and green after playing with the Cook Islands and the second rower adds a touch of class to this roster.
ST GEORGE DRAGONS
SKY ANTONIOLLI
Made the move down from Caloundra this season to join the Tarsha Gale side and continues her progression into reserve grade. Starts the season on the wing but can fill most spots in the backline, Antoniolli is a real athlete who can also slot goals.
SHAYE SHIPTON
Was a regular for Parramatta during the 2024 HNWP season on the wing. Gets her chance to impact the game more at fullback this season with the Dragons. Fit and fast, it will be exciting to see what she can do in this role.
ALOFA SCHUSTER
Highly talented outside back from the Macarthur system who was a tryscoring machine for Wentworthville last season. She gives St George a much-needed weapon out wide, but she’s also not afraid to get in and do the hard work in yardage.
JAYME MILLARD
Pushing hard to make her NRLW debut this season, Millard boasts one of the more unique backgrounds in the competition. Played soccer in at the American collegiate level. Comes across from Cronulla and the outside back is a tryscoring machine.
WENTWORTHVILLE
JESSICA STEVENS
We’ve seen her enjoy stints at North Sydney and St George at the junior reps level, and looks ready to take the next step. The half gained experience with the Central Coast in the HNWP last season and plays like a traditional halfback, shaping as a key Magpies signing.
EMIAH STOKES
The Port Macquarie local comes to Wentworthville via Canterbury and Newcastle. Made an incredible recovery to get back to this point after suffering a dislocated hip and fractured pelvis. Talented youngster who provides plenty of punch off the bench.
SARAH COLMAN
A consistent dummy half with Wentworthville last season. Shot into the eyes of scouts after a strong Women’s Country Championships campaign in 2024 and the Bathurst local hasn’t looked back. Will take on more of a leadership role along with captain Chantel Tugaga.
FELICE QUINLAN
Made her NRLW debut with the Raiders last year, playing five games. A New Zealand-born centre, Quinlan will start the season in the middle for the Magpies as she looks to push her claims for a return to first grade.
WESTS TIGERS
AALIYAH BULA
The daughter of Solomon Haumono and partner of Tigers fullback Jahream, Aaliyah Bula joins the Tigers after a stellar junior reps career. Started with Manly before linking with Parramatta last year, where the utility back was a staple in the HNWP side. Starts the year in the halves but can play a number of positions.
TIRESA LEASUASU
Recently turned 19 and looking to make her NRLW debut, Leasuasu represented the Queensland U19s in June. Played in the strong BMD Premiership last year for the Tigers before featuring with her new club in Tarsha Gale this season as a powerful middle.
TALLARA BAMBLETT
Another from Parramatta the Wests Tigers have been able to nab, Bamblett will fill the halves along with Haumono. Comes from a touch footy background and that’s clear to see with the exciting prospect at her best when she is taking on the line and showing off her pace.
MONTANA MCLEAN
Made the move from Penrith to the Wests Tigers last season where we saw her play in the halves at HNWP level. Returns to dummy half to start the season and is her best position where she can use her smarts to get her side on the front foot.
JOY LEVY
Looks a rising talent within the ranks having already experienced a development roster spot with Cronulla last season. A strong centre who the Tigers halves will have a field day with, Levy knows her way to the tryline and is a top tryscorer contender in this comp.
Originally published as NRLW radar: 50 quality players pushing for first grade in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership
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