Lisa Fiaola Cup 2025 season preview: Every club previewed ahead of U17s girls season
The Lisa Fiaola Cup returns for its second season as a fully-fledged comp and a pathway for girls to the NRLW. We preview the upcoming season and the 13 teams shooting for glory.
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The Lisa Fiaola Cup made a big wave in its inaugural year.
Now in its second season as a fully-fledged competition, the U17s girls division serves as a leading pathway to the Tarsha Gale Cup, HNWP and ultimately the NRLW.
With the new season set to commence on February 1, we preview all 13 competing teams in this year’s edition.
JUMP TO
Canberra Raiders - Canterbury Bulldogs - Central Coast Roosters - Cronulla Sharks - Illawarra Steelers - Manly Sea Eagles - Newcastle Knights - North Sydney Bears - Parramatta Eels - Penrith Panthers - South Sydney Rabbitohs - St George Dragons - Wests Tigers
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Brian Summerell
Last season: Debut season, 2025
Why they will be competitive: After missing out on last season’s first fully fledged Lisa Fiaola competition, Canberra start 2025 as the new kids on the block.
In a period of less than six months, the Raiders have come from nowhere to field a squad that coach Brian Summerell believes will cause a few surprises in its debut season.
“To gauge the level of player interest, the club ran an U15s development program late last year,” said Summerell.
“The response was brilliant - 260 attended. It showed there was enough interest and talent in the region to sustain a Lisa Fiaola program.
“Then 160 players trialled for spots in the final squad. There were girls from Bathurst, Coffs Harbour and even as far away as Melbourne.”
While a boilover or two is on the agenda, Summerell was careful to outline the initial objectives.
“It’s hard to measure success in terms of wins and losses,” he said.
“For many it’s their first time in rep footy, so for now the focus is on development. Then down the track, hopefully they automatically rollover to Tarsha Gale.
“Success doesn’t happen overnight. Forty per cent of the squad are still a year young and will be available again next season.
“But the club is heavily invested in the program’s success. At our trials there were NRLW players running water and even input from the coach.”
Key fixture: St George (round four). Canberra’s round four clash at home against the Dragons will provide an insight as to how far the Raiders have progressed across the opening month of the competition.
No stranger to the challengers of grassroots development, St George finished without a victory last season.
Players to watch: Still a year young, Ocean Kaiwai-Rangikauhata arrives from Melbourne with a big bag of tricks. The gifted playmaker has all the skills and has stood up as a real leader.
The other piece of the halves puzzle, Adelaide Norris was identified by the Raiders two years ago. Passionate about the game, the local junior has a knowledge beyond her years.
Evie Perry joins from Wagga Wagga. A year young, the pacy centre is the daughter of former Canterbury NRL hooker, Adam.
Squad: Chelsea Tyrrell, Frankie Cappello, Skye Pegg, Kymiah Stewart, Maddison Higgins, Meah Beecham, Ellie McCormack, Saige Fattore, Paua-Lee Going, Evie Perry, Havana Cook, Ocean Kaiwai-Rangikahuata, Adelaide Norris, Jade White, Layla Wellington, Charli Gault, Neveah Peace, Neha Smith, Jaida-Lee Lyons, Kaelani Goolagong, Shanaya Harrison, Mila Cappello
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
Captain: Evelyn Roberts
Coach: Vanessa Foliaki
Last season: Premiers (8-0)
Why they will be competitive: If you look at all four pathways grades as a whole last season, there was no more dominant team than Canterbury’s U17s girls.
They went through the year undefeated with an average winning margin of over 50 points, and the signs are ominous for the rest of the competition as the side shows no signs of slowing down.
“We’ve kept a lot of the same players and brought up some of our development girls that played with us last year as well,” female football operations manager Lauren Milner said.
“We’re looking strong again. Most were together whether they were just that year young to play but still trained to play.
“There’s a lot of familiar faces and we’ve got our academy girls that have been training together as well in the north coast, Queensland and New Zealand academies.
“It’s going to be a strong year and we’ve had a good preparation. We had a really good culture last year and you can see that already we’ve kept that culture and connectivity between the girls.
“The talent that we’ve got and the connectivity. They really want to play for each other and the club.”
Key fixture: Newcastle Knights (Away, Round 7). The Knights showed last year that they were title contenders and with a great nursery, they can provide a real challenge to the Bulldogs. This will be a perfect lead-in to the finals for Canterbury.
Players to watch: Evelyn Roberts was crowned Player of the Year for the Fiaola Cup in 2024. The five-eighth has a good footy IQ and when the play breaks down she can turn nothing into something. Asha Taumoepeau-Williams was just 15 throughout last season when the winger finished the season as the second top tryscorer in the competition. A strong outside back who is already locked up by the NRLW side. Aliahana Fuimaono is a second rower who brings strength to the edge and has a bright future.
Squad: Shanthie Lui, Shakira Lui, Asha Taumoepeau-Williams, Jayda Peo, Lala Vaea, Evelyn Roberts, Emacyn-Eden Ieremia, Taylah Salapo, Tanya Kavapalu, Talita Haumono, Aliahana Fuimaono, Paige Tauaneai, Grace Macgregor, Elouise Maher, Leteena Medland, Shiloh Fepuleai, Charli Hardgrave, Raneh Siteine
CENTRAL COAST ROOSTERS
Captain: Mia Vaotuua
Coach: Jayme Fressard
Last season: Semi finalists (6-2)
Key fixture: St George Dragons (Away, Round 3). With a bye in round four and a tough start to the season against the Tigers and Knights, it’s crucial the Roosters come away with the two points against a St George side who will be much more competitive than last season.
Why they will be competitive: The Roosters will be a combined outfit with Sydney coming under the Central Coast banner this year. With both sides performing strongly last season and a host of returning players, that promises to make an imposing roster for opposition teams.
The coaching staff of Jayme Fressard, Jocelyn Kelleher and Isabelle Kelly gives the young women a perfect sounding pad for an all-out premiership tilt.
“The pre-season has been really good. We’ve split the training sessions 50/50 between Central Coast and Sydney to make sure they understand it’s a joint team,” head of female pathways John Strange said.
“Our main focus is that the girls are developing, improving and learning. While it’s a competition, we’re not too concerned on that, more so just giving them the best opportunity to develop into future NRLW players.
“When you coach junior teams and focus on eachplayer developing, that generally brings in success.
“Having Jayme, Jocelyn and Isabelle on board teaches the girls what they’re getting taught at the NRLW level. It makes the transition from Fiaola into Gale and then Harvey Norman and NRLW a lot smoother. Our attacking principles and defensive systems are all aligned.”
Players to watch: Talea Tonga was one of the standouts with the Sydney side last year, earning Player of the Year honours. Natural progression will see her as one of the best halfbacks in the competition. Mia Vaotuua led the Fiaola Cup competition in scoring last season and is a strike weapon in the centres. Morgan Kernick is the younger sister of NRLW star Olivia. Despite only just turning 15 she is impressing as a second row/middle. Kewa Kahuroa is a first-year player who has a big future in the front row.
Squad: Aaliyah Te Mete, Addison Webb, Amaya Sanchez, Anastasia Leatupue, Ayva Papalii, Bessy Combo, Chloe Oliver, Coco Butcher, Ellie Maher, Amilee-Rose Hall, Evie Phillips, Indy Rosen, Isabella Newton, Jayda Peo, Jemma Wooden, Kewa Kahuroa, Madison Hemopo, Madison Massey, Makenna Hammond, Marley Gristwood, Meg McPhail, Mia Vaotuua, Morgan Kernick, Sienna Kennedy-Wilkie, Star Clarke, Stella Hall, Summer Pollard, Talea Tonga, Talita Haumono, Veronica Sefo, Victoria Loleni
CRONULLA SHARKS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Isaac Michael
Last season: 8th (2-6)
Why they will be competitive: Despite entering last season’s competition underprepared, Cronulla gave a good account of themselves.
Now, after guiding the Sharks to a Tarsha Gale semi final last year, respected coach Isaac Michael hopes to do the same with the under-17s.
“We will be competitive,” said Cronulla female pathways manager Casey Bromilow.
“The girls will be far better prepared than last year. Back then we fielded quite a few with limited exposure to tackle footy. The Sharks program continues to develop in this age group and the standard has come along in leaps and bounds.
“For the most part we don’t recruit outside the area, but there’s a large number of players coming forward to step up and play.”
Key fixture: Parramatta Eels (round five). Based on last season’s ladder, Cronulla has a golden opportunity to kick off the season on the front foot. Over the opening four rounds they have a bye and face three sides that finished below them on the table.
If they defeat last year’s finalists Parramatta at home in round five, they could well be on track for a breakthrough season.
Players to watch: With numerous girls returning for their second season, the Sharks will be better for the inclusion of several U16s NSWCCC reps.
Sophia Brightwell is a rising halfback and doubles as a handy goal kicker. A fullback at last year’s ASSRL Championships at Port Macquarie, Charlotte Teplicanec is another to watch in the outside backs.
Isabella McDonald will be better for her experience in school rep footy. A clever hooker, she can be relied upon to call the shots around the ruck.
Squad: Charlotte Teplicanec, Jade Pawson, Klahani Crews, Makayla Vakatua, Sienna Best, Sophia Brightwell, Julliana Kolo, Manawanui James, Isabella McDonald, Heni Mayers, Sam Stewart, Zahri Lester, Dhillon-Natalia Baker, Tahli Wiegand, Akoija George, Tyra Lee, Tunui-A-Rangi Nathan, Molly Weppler, Hayley Moore, Latisha Akuoko, Shylo-Maia Bristowe
ILLAWARRA STEELERS
Captains: Skye Spencer and Ella Churchill
Coach: Brad Reh
Last season: 2nd, eliminated in semi-final (7-2)
Why they will be competitive: With nine of last year’s exciting squad coming back for another year in the Lisa Fiaola Cup, the Steelers will go into the season as one of the favourites for the title.
“Virtually my whole backline, except for two girls, played last year. We think the experience will be a good thing for us,” said coach Brad Reh.
After finishing fourth in 2024 before being bundled out in the semis, the team will be looking to go a couple of steps further with its talented crop of youngsters.
“I’ve been pretty happy with the way players are progressing at the moment,” said Reh.
“We’ve got plenty of speed and the girls are very skilful in regards to how we throw the football around.”
Key fixtures: Canterbury (Away – Round 3). While the round one clash against intra-club rivals the Dragons will be huge, the team is looking forward to testing itself against last year’s premiers the Bulldogs.
“Obviously the Dragons game we always look forward to, being the merged club. But the big one a lot of the girls are exciting for is the Bulldogs – that’ll be an indication of where we sit,” said Reh.
Players to watch: Coming back for another season in the grade, halves pairing Ella Greatz and Skye Spencer will be key to the team’s success. Front-rower Tahanni Kaufusi will look to lead the pack while fullback Ella Churchill will be one to keep an eye on after returning to the club following year at Souths.
Elsewhere, there is also some Steelers’ royalty in the squad, with Halle Barrett, the daughter of NRL legend Trent, showing plenty of promise throughout the pre-season.
Squad: Soraya Amone, Halle Barrett, Madeline Ceccato, Ella Churchill, Holly Czornobej, Mia Davis, Ella Greatz, Ally Hamilton, Michala Hardy, Madison Hemopo, Tahanni Kaufusi, Jayda Lalic, Levini Latu, Loata Latu, Ellie McCormack, Anissa McCue, Juliet Merheb, Lila Miller, Shyla Mitchell, Halle Muik, Charlotte Nicholson, Laila Poto, Chloe Reh, Skye Spencer, Manawa-Jen Tukere, Elli Young, Sienna Young, Ruby Seitula
MANLY SEA EAGLES
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NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Captain: Emily McArthur
Coach: Gary Jones
Last season: Prelim finalists (5-3)
Why they will be competitive: Newcastle timed their run almost to perfection last year, going on a big run over the final rounds before bumping into a red-hot Canterbury in the prelim final.
With new coach Jones at the helm, he wants them to get away to a stronger start with a tough draw on the cards.
“We haven’t had many injuries, everyone has been working hard and there are a lot of new faces,” he said.
“About six or seven have come back from last year but it’s largely a new group of girls. We see the benefits of a strong local competition from the upper Hunter through to Maitland, Newcastle and the edge of the Central Coast.
“We’ve had some good trials against strong opposition. It’s good to get those hit-outs. It’s a strong realisation of what’s to come.
“We had our second long camp this week and the girls have acclimatised themselves to the weekly grind. It’s not like what they’re used to at club level, there are a lot of good, young female athletes at this level.
“Having those players with experience helps them impart their knowledge of what’s required at the next level.
“The biggest thing is the weekly grind. At club level you might get an easy game every second week. Here they’re all tough games, and we have a tough draw.
“I’m excited to see how they’ll go.”
Key fixture: Central Coast Roosters (Away, Round 2). A good test for the Knights early in the season against a highly-regarded Central Coast side. Claiming a big scalp in the opening rounds would do wonders for their confidence.
Players to watch: Jones believes the Knights are a side that will have to play as a real good team on a weekly basis in order to get the desired results. It’s what they had to do last year in the back end of the season and he said they must gel weekly in order to be competing with the best sides.
Squad: Keira Callaghan, Breanna Rawlins, Ella Koen, Holly Winter, Stephanie Holden, Madison Massey, Sybella Pike, Lily Porter, Scarlet Hagan, Druzelle Mafoe, Sienna Brumby, Maddison-Renae Seumanutafa, Rubie Drake-Brockman, Ellazae Elers, Mia Jones, Ruby Wilhelmus, Shikynah Pearson, Callie Hagan, Grace Langdon
NORTH SYDNEY BEARS
Captain: Aaliyah Waipori
Coach: Bruce Tuaimau
Last season: 12th (1-1-6)
Why they will be competitive: While they had just the one win last season there’s a healthy optimism among the Bears ranks of a much improved output.
The team has just entered their 14th week of pre-season training, a deliberate ploy to have the team ready to fire in round one and build the camaraderie within the group.
“We started with a two-day camp before cutting the squad to 30,” assistant coach Daniel Martin said.
“We wanted to give them an introduction to the pathways. Some girls are in their second season, but for many it’s their first time.
“There’s been a focus on strength and conditioning, nutrition, and making it a bit of a longer, slower process. They’ve responded well and taken a lot out of it.
“Their attitude and willingness to learn has been great. They’ve really bought into what we’re trying to do and it’s been exciting.
“With the talent we have, we have a good, core group to build around. The girls who have come back are more used to the process and have become leaders in the group.
Key fixture: Canterbury Bulldogs (Home, Round 1). The Bulldogs remain the only unbeaten team since the Fiaola Cup became a full competition. Welcoming Canterbury in the opening round is an almighty test but one the Bears will make sure they’re up for.
Players to watch: Kathreen Siale returns after captaining the side last year. Officials believe she is an NRLW player of the future due to her leadership and character. The front rower brings a lot of enjoyment to the team. Aliyah Waipouri is a halfback from the Penrith district who has come across to the North Sydney system. She’s very talented and is good at leading the team across the park. Timeka Collins is another returning player who is a classy fullback and has been a standout among the local brigade.
Squad: Aliyah Waipouri, Angelina Singh, Ava Hape-Va’a, Cailyce Kiriau-Paulo, Eden Melham, Georgia Kouris, Indianna Carroll, India O’Donohue, Isla Webb, Jayda Yammouni, Jayla Te Atua, Jazmyn Graham, Kamate Vaine, Karalee Clarke, Kathreen Siale, Laylah Hall, Lily-May Price-Jones, Maddie Clarke, Milan Brakell, Milly Athar, Nika Andrienko, Sela Latu, Shekaina Kully, Summah Pleasance, Tahira Armeda, Tavina Pritchard, Teeara Russell, Tiani Faiva Tulemay, Timeka Collins, Tyra Field
PARRAMATTA EELS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Ryan Walker
Last season: Semi finalists (6-2)
Why they will be competitive: There was a lot to like about what Parramatta showed last season, and with a few key players returning to the fold there is every chance they can build off that. They built a reputation as one of the fastest teams in the competition in 2024 and again they have a few speed demons across the park that will make them a major threat. Parramatta has been able to keep a good portion of the group together and that bodes well for another finals tilt.
Key fixture: Canberra Raiders (Away, Round 1). There’s no doubt the Raiders will be up and about for their first ever Fiaola fixture, so it will be important for the Eels to make sure they’re prepared for an early ambush.
Players to watch: An exciting prospect is Tahli Curtis who will put herself up with the leading tryscorers if given attacking opportunities. The outside back is a strong finisher. Bailey 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. Freedom Crichton-Ropati is another flyer in this backline who has plenty of speed, agility and is a threat when she has the ball in opposition territory.
Squad: Alissia Misa, Anika Penitani, Bailey Ma-Chong, Catea Duff, Cody Tuimaseve, Deja Vaivela, Evelyn Kuwendu, Fiafia Freedom Crichton Ropati, Georgia Wansey, Hayloh Talagi, Hine Rikiti, Irae Savea, Isabella Bell, Kaizen Morgan-Pritchard, Kaveinga O’Callaghan-Ahio, Laylah Tafili, Leonia Vei, Mere Sivo, Mitszy Cairns, Olivia Saba, Rylee Cash, Selene Koi-ngaruhe, Sharon Latapu, Sienna Bonello, Tahli Curtis, Taylah Meagher, Tegan Nicholas, Temieke Withers
PENRITH PANTHERS
Captain: Tia-Jane Golding
Coach: Judy-May Peni
Last season: 9th (2-6)
Why they will be competitive: The Penrith pathways program continues to come along in leaps and bounds. Now aligned to the boys program, this season marks the introduction of an U16s development squad to further prepare players for junior reps.
Last season, the young Panthers fired out of the blocks with back-to-back wins before holding their own against the top sides in a challenging draw in the closing rounds.
With seven players returning from the side that took the field in the final match last season, Penrith have the building blocks to climb the ladder.
Key fixture: Sea Eagles (round four). After kicking off the season at home to the Sharks, Penrith face reigning premiers Canterbury and last season’s runner-up Wests Tigers in consecutive weeks.
It means the following clash with Manly could shape their season. Both sides missed the top six last year, and a victory could prove crucial in the run towards the finals.
Players to watch: Primed to lead the side in the No.13 jumper, Tia-Jane Golding is a St Marys junior who combines a quality passing game with infectious energy.
Another product from St Marys, Isabella Papaa returns for another season and the damaging prop will control the middle alongside Moonlight Moala.
Versatile Tongan Schools rep Vasaliva Feleti is another to keep an eye on. Likely to start in the centres, she packs plenty of punch at the line.
Squad: Talia Afungia, Grace Button, Vasaliva Feleti, Isabella Ferguson, Betsy Fifita, Tia-Jane Golding, Lilianne Halangahu, Mia Hebden-Salase, Patricia HeiHei, Violet Hiku, Kayla Horvat, Hannah Ison, Abbey-Lee Larcombe, Jaeahna Latu, Jurney Mila, Serenity Mila, Moonlight Moala, Mylei Palmer-Vaivao, Isablella Papaa, Kyla Pasene, Rihanna Petelo, Anita Ropati, Grace Sene, Amber Stapleton, Kiah Taotofi, Grace Thompson, Savanna Tofaeono, Meekah Viiga, Aaliyah Womal, Georgie Zahra
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Vai Alaia
Last season: 11th (1-1-6)
Why they will be competitive: There’s no escaping the fact that last season was a disappointing one for the Rabbitohs. But there’s been a clear direction with their recruitment for the new year with an eye on playing an exciting brand of football. While points were hard to come by in 2024, they have the personnel this time around to ensure they will be placing scoreboard pressure on teams and staying in the hunt against some top quality teams in this competition.
Key fixture: St George Dragons (Home. Round 2). Both teams found the going tough last season and will see this early-round fixture as a must-win. St George will bring their best, providing an important challenge for the home side.
Players to watch: Taya Donovan will start the season at fullback and Alaiela Dargin-Bell in the centres. The pair featured for Central West Maliyan at the Koori Knockout and showed there that they can provide a much-needed spark that this team needs to be competitive. Donovan will be given plenty of freedom at the back. Victoria Loleni is back for her second season of Lisa Fiaola Cup and the front rower gets the chance to build off a season where she was one of the team’s most consistent forwards.
Squad: Lani Anderson, Mia Becerra, Payden Brien, Keira Bright, Ruby Cameron, Madison Clarke, Alaiela Dargin-Bell, Natasha Dillon, Taya Donovan, Billy Duggan, Mia Elliott, Sarah Fakhr, Lily Fisher, Alexus Gordon, Olivia Harrison, Freya Hodges, Amelia-Rose Leha, Victoria Loleni, Aliyah McGuinness, Claudia Nairn, Violet Naleba, Vika Palu, Remy Roper, Lily Smith, Maddie-Jean Stockman, Anna Taei, Markaylah Talanoa, Zoe Talau, Larei Taulaga, Ariana Te Rito, Kylar Vecellio, Miharna Ward, Abby Warren-Bolte, Matilda Wielecki, Kali-Ann Williams
ST GEORGE DRAGONS
Captain: Amelia Phillips
Coach: Renee Targett
Last season: 13th (0-8)
Why they will be competitive: Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will St George’s U17s girls team, but the right pieces are in place for a much-improved season for the Red V.
With former Australian gridiron and NRLW representative Renee Targett taking the reins as coach, the Dragons have built a roster that is ready to compete from the opening whistle.
“I’m quite happy with how they’ve been progressing. Building a successful program doesn’t happen overnight, but we’re making sure that we’re building each week. I’m quietly confident on how we’ll go,” she said.
“It’s been pretty clear from the start that it’s not just a learning curve for them, but for me to being my first time as a head coach We’re all learning together and if they’re getting better each week not just as players but as people, I’m doing my job.
“I’m a big believer in it’s not just the team of girls needed for success, but the staff, physio and the parents. They’re all underage and need to be transported. Getting everyone on the same page and believing in what we’re trying to build is key.
“They’re here because they want to be here and it’s cool that I get to be a part of that. Between myself and Priscilla Younes (assistant coach) we’ve played experienced the highs and lows of the game, and when they come to us with questions we can guide them.
“We have a good combination of girls not just from the area, but some that have relocated from Victoria and far north Queensland. They’ve been building a good bond. They’re not just here for business, but to get to know each other.”
Key fixture: Illawarra Steelers (Away, Round 1). There’s been a host of changes at the Dragons and what better way to see their progress since last year than a test against Illawarra on the road. Expect the new-look St George side to come out firing.
Players to watch: Alexis Fenton is one of the players who has moved north from Victoria and was part of the Victorian Schoolgirls team last year. She can find plenty of strike out wide in the centres. Chantel Wilson has the versatility to feature in a number of roles for the Dragons including on an edge or as a middle. She has a great footy IQ and the skills to play across the park. Ruby King is a high-level talent from Charters Towers who looks like she will have an immediate impact with her communication and vision of the game.
Squad: Alexis Fenton, Amelia Phillips, Anabelle Khoury, Ashlee Sassine, Ava Sidiratos, Brooke Carroll, Cecilia Tonga, Chantel Wilson, Coira Raftery, Daniella Barton, Georgia Porter, Grace Allan, Lani Hema, Lily Munns, Maddie Davis, Mairesha Ronsen-Tomsana, Manaaki Te Whare, Markenzy Siumaka Vaha, Mia Edwards-Follington, Mia Wilson, Miriam Hikila, Monique Marshall, Morgan Simon, Noa Couplan, Paiytan Lie Kohunui, Ruby King, Tameira Robertson-Wotton, Taylah El-Ters, Telina Adams, Tenapau Naawi, Urshelah Lie Kohunui
WESTS TIGERS
Captains: Agnews (Jewel) Faaui and Sienna Robertson
Coach: Scott Clark
Last season: Grand finalists (6-2)
Key fixture: Parramatta Eels (Home, Round 7). With a bye in round six and a competition-wide break the following weekend, it means the Tigers will have gone a long time without footy between their games against St George and Parramatta. It’s important they fire against a strong Eels side in the run to the finals.
Why they will be competitive: There was a lot to like about the Tigers last season, and with a solid number of returning players, there’s a hunger to go one better.
Coach Clark said that influence has been a strong one among the group, with further rep honours having the side primed for a tilt at replicating their heroics from 2024.
“We’ve got 60 per cent of our girls coming back into the Lisa Fiaola team,” he said.
“That’s a positive for us. But as we know every club is going to be stronger with the girls playing another year.
“For us our main priority is selecting players from within our own catchment area. 90 per cent of our players will be from our local districts.
“The girls have come in a lot more skilled and with better knowledge of rugby league than what they did last year, which is a bonus.
“Last year was a clean slate. This year with the girls coming back they know what they’re in for.
“The squad has gelled very well and they’ve trained exceptionally well. Although we didn’t win the grand final (last year), we were a grand final team. We’ve worked with the girls on mindset and having that recognition. Teams they play this year will step up and really challenge us.
“A majority of our forward pack were 16 playing against 17 year olds. A couple had only just turned 16. That experience is a positive, but the hunger is there.
“The girls are stronger. They’ve left Wests Tigers and gone back to their junior clubs. We’ve got girls that have made NSW CHS and girls in the Emerging Blues squad. That additional level of training is going to be a benefit to us.”
Players to watch: Agnews (Jewel) Faaui played five-eighth last year and has only just turned 16 last month. She came of her age at the end of last season and has proven to be a leader among the group. Saige Tautalafua comes from a netball and rugby union background. In her six months of league she has shown great skills and willingness to learn. A raw talent but is agile, fast and is a forward. Dawn Tui is the sister of Eels and Samoan representative Lindsay and is a dummy half with a smart football brain who is fast, fit, strong and creative.
Squad: Amalia Casey, Naomi Cowley, Agnews (Jewel) Faaui, Aliana Fasavalu-Fa’amausili, May Fuimaono, Ariah Gilbert, Kalani Godinet, Isabella James, Kapiolani Liufau, Lilah Luamanu-Leiataua, Isabel McMenemy, Khiarna Munro, Talia Pele-Taula, Evie Phillips, Sienna Robertson, Saige Tautalafua, Ana Taviliniu, Mele-Kyannah Toga, Mia Tonga, Alavina Tu’ifua, Dawn Tui, Leilani Tuitupou, Elanor Ward, Liliola Ward, Charlotte Withers
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Originally published as Lisa Fiaola Cup 2025 season preview: Every club previewed ahead of U17s girls season
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