Sydney Roosters tipped as the team to beat in exclusive poll of NRLW captains
The biggest NRLW season yet kicks off on Thursday night. We take you through all the best rookies, rugby converts and rivalries at every club.
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Nine of 12 NRLW captains have named premiers Sydney Roosters the team to beat for the title as the biggest season yet of women’s rugby league kicks off on Thursday night.
At least five have tipped three-time champions Brisbane to make a rise back to the top, while last year’s finalists Newcastle and Cronulla are also marked for a big season.
“Strangey (Roosters coach John Strange) has been really good enforcing that if we want to go further this year we have to be better, and that starts at training and working hard,” said Roosters captain Isabelle Kelly.
“This is the fittest team we’ve ever had across those seasons, so that’s a great step towards that.
“Dealing with the pressure that comes with winning the premiership last year is one thing, and then making sure that you don’t get complacent. It’s the biggest killer.”
The Eels, however, just want revenge.
The season kicks off at Sharks Stadium on Thursday night with a simmering rivalry that has burned Parramatta since September last year.
Cronulla knocked the Eels out of the finals in the last round of the season and Parramatta haven’t forgotten it.
“There’s a very big rivalry between us, probably because a lot of the girls played at the Eels before the Sharks came into the competition, so naturally there’s a rivalry there, we’ve been able to beat them in the first couple of years so it’ll be a fiery game to start the season,” says Sharks skipper Tiana Penitani Gray.
“That’s what we want, there’ll be plenty of eyeballs on the game, and it’s such a privilege to be the first game to start the season.
“It’s exciting to be a part of and it sets the benchmark for how the week will unfold and what the season looks like.”
BRISBANE BRONCOS
2024 finish: 1st (semi-finalists) 7 wins, 3 losses
Coach: Scott Prince
Talking point: Tamika Upton’s return to Brisbane skyrockets their premiership credentials for 2025. The star fullback has won four NRLW titles, including two with the Broncos, and is regarded by many as the best player in the world.
Pamela Whaley’s prediction: Premiers
CAPTAIN’S CALL
Team to beat: “Roosters, they’ve always got a strong squad but for redemption for me personally, the semi-final loss to the Sharks hurts. We had one up on them and we celebrated that, and they got the semi-final over us. They’re a big rival in my eyes,” said captain Ali Brigginshaw.
Her year: “Shalom Sauaso, she is a wrecking ball. If anyone saw our trial, she was very impressive. Absolutely killed some of the PNG girls. She’s probably the one to look out for, I think she’ll be on everyone’s tip sheet.”
2025 INS: Tamika Upton (Knights), Tara McGrath-West (Dragons), Azalleyah Maaka (rugby union), Kerri Johnson (rugby union)
2025 OUTS: Mariah Denman (retired), Jasmine Fogavini (Titans), Tazmin Rapana (retirement)
CANBERRA RAIDERS
2024 finish: 7th, 3 wins, 6 losses
Coach: Darren Borthwick
Talking point: The Raiders are heading into their third NRLW season now and are still yet to make the finals despite some promising signs. They need to take the next step, but have lost five-eighth (Ash Quinlan) and fullback (Apii Nicholls) from last season, which brings an unknown factor to the season ahead.
Pamela Whaley’s prediction: Bottom six
CAPTAIN’S CALL
Team to beat: The reigning premiers, the Roosters. They’re a strong team, a strong club, my old club. Well coached, great players. They won it for a reason last year so everyone will be aiming to knock them off this year,” said Zahara Temara.
Her year: “Monalisa Soliola, we’re really impressed with her, her mindset, her training effort, work ethic. Analysing her game. She’s been great.”
2025 INS: Leianne Tufuga (Wests Tigers), Chloe Saunders (Sharks), Georgia Thomas (St George Dragons), Jordyn Preston (Dragons), Isabella Waterman (Knights)
2025 OUTS: Ashleigh Quinlan (Bulldogs), Apii Nicholls (Warriors), Shakiah Tungai (personal reasons)
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
2024 finish: n/a
Coach: Brayden Williame
Talking point: It’s the inaugural season for the Bulldogs, who have recruited proud players and a lethal looking forward pack. They have a fair share of young guns and rugby union converts, as well as a first time coach in former NRL player Brayden Williame.
Pamela Whaley’s prediction: Bottom six
CAPTAIN’S CALL
Team to beat: “The Broncos. The inclusion of Tamika Upton now back at the club, I just think they’re always a formidable force in the NRLW so to add Tamika in there, they’ll be the team to beat this year for sure.”
Her year: “Tegan Dymock has stood up as a leader this season, her dad (Jim) played for the club too so that’s really exciting as well, so that’s an extra drive for her to represent her family. She’s going to have a breakout season this year. And then for a rookie, definitely Monica Tagoai, she played in the rugby sevens system for New Zealand, so she’s a raw talent. She reminds me a bit of Vanesse Biddle.”
2025 INS: Gains: Tayla Preston (Sharks), Ashleigh Quinlan (Raiders), Ebony Prior (Wests Tigers), Andie Robinson (Sharks), Holli Wheeler (Sharks), Kalosipani Hopoate (Roosters), Tegan Dymock (Sharks), Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa (Dragons), Alexis Tauaneai (Dragons), Maatuleio Fotu-Moala (Dragons), Sarahcen Oliver (Bulldogs), Hope Millard (Illawarra Steelers), Elizabeth MacGregor (NSWCC Schoolgirls), Bridget Hoy (Broncos), Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau (Bulldogs), Shaniece Monschau (Bulldogs), Leilani Wilson (Bulldogs), Anneka Wilson (Bulldogs), Moana Courtenay (rugby union), Vani Buleki (Western Force), Monica Tagoai (NZ rugby union)
CRONULLA SHARKS
2024 finish: 4th (runners-up) 7 wins, 3 losses
Coach: Tony Herman
Talking point: They came agonisingly close to the premiership last season but have farewelled a stack of talent from the grand final side. New recruit Caitlan Johnston-Green is pushing for a late season return after the birth of her first child, while former Dragons star Tyla King will replace Tayla Preston in the halves.
Pamela Whaley’s prediction: Top six
CAPTAIN’S CALL
Team to beat: “The Roosters and the Broncos are on par. They’re two foundation clubs, they’ve both recruited really well. Tamika Upton is back home in Brisbane, that’s a huge talking point. She’s probably the missing piece of the puzzle for them in the spine,” says Tiana Penitani.
Her year: “Jacinta Carter trialled really well last week, she’s been a part of the Newcastle system but we haven’t seen too much of her yet. She was behind some formidable forwards and she had to barge her way into the team, but we’ve benefited from that. She’s fit in so easily, her and Ellie (Johnston) are so similar. Two peas in a pod.”
2025 INS: Caitlan Johnston-Green (Knights), Jaydika Tafua (development squad), Jacinta Carter (Knights), Chantay Kiria-Ratu (Titans), Tyla King (Dragons)
2025 OUTS: Holli Wheeler (Bulldogs), Tayla Preston (Bulldogs), Andie Robinson (Bulldogs), Tegan Dymock (Bulldogs), Chloe Saunders (Raiders), Sharni Smale, Pia Tapsell (Dragons)
GOLD COAST TITANS
2024 finish: 8th, 3 wins, 6 losses
Coach: Karyn Murphy
Talking point: The Titans will be without two guns in Vani Pelite and Shannon Mato, who are both pregnant with their first babies. While happy news, they’re both huge losses to the side who will be desperate to recover from a disappointing season last year.
Pamela Whaley’s prediction: Bottom six
CAPTAIN’S CALL
Team to beat: “I guess we can’t look past the Roosters, having been premiership winners. I’d be wrong of us not to put them as the benchmark after winning the comp last year, we’re all very hungry to go after them this year,” Georgia Hale.
Her year: “Ivana Lolesio, she’s coming in as an outside back, she got her start last year playing with Burleigh Bears but suffered an ACL injury. She’s done a chunk of work returning from that injury, she’s absolutely ripped in and hasn’t missed a mark, she’s really exciting and energised player and a beautiful person too.”
2025 INS: Jasmine Fogavini (Broncos), Pauline Piliae-Rasabale (Wests Tigers) Takoda Thompson (development list), Jayda Lofipo (Wynnum Manly).
2025 OUTS: Karina Brown (retired), Matekino Gray (Warriors), Chantay Kiria-Ratu (Sharks), Rilee Jorgensen (medically ruled out), Evania Isa’ako (nee Pelite) – (pregnancy), Shannon Mato (pregnancy), Emily Bass (Wests Tigers)
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
2024 finish: 3rd (semi finalists) 6 wins, 4 losses
Coach: Ben Jeffries
Talking point: Some big names left the club at the end of last season, including Tamika Upton, Caitlan Johnston-Green and captain Hannah Southwell. It’s forced a change of leadership in Yasmin Clydsdale as well as thrown up some question marks about whether the Knights will take a dive in quality.
Pamela Whaley’s prediction: Top six
CAPTAIN’S CALL
Team to beat: “Definitely the Roosters. They always set the standard every year and losing the semi-final against them last year, we took a lot of learning from it,” said newly crowned captain Yasmin Clydsdale.
Her year: “Evah McEwen debuted last year but there’s a lot to come from her and having a full pre-season has benefited her, she’s come of age a little bit more. My second one is Jules Kirkpatrick, she’s 21 but had an ACL injury a few years ago and missed a few opportunities. She’s worked really hard this pre-season to push herself into the team.”
2025 INS: Botille Vette-Welsh (Wests Tigers), Tiana Davison (Roosters), Tess Staines, Sienna Yeo, Keighley Simpson, Joeli Morris
2025 OUTS: Caitlan Johnston-Green (Sharks), Laishon Albert-Jones (Warriors), Rima Butler (Roosters), Tamika Upton (Broncos), Abigail Roache (Cowboys), Jacinta Carter (Sharks), Hannah Southwell (Dragons), Nita Maynard (Dragons)
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
2024 finish: 6th, 4 wins, 5 losses
Coach: Ricky Henry
Talking point: The Cowboys have struggled across the past few seasons and are yet to make the finals. But this could be their year. They’ve recruited well, and the addition of rugby sevens star Lily Dick could help take them to a new level.
Pamela Whaley’s prediction: Top six
CAPTAIN’S CALL
Team to beat: “The Roosters and Broncos are always teams to beat with the talent they have across the board and their years in the game,” said skipper Kirra Dibb.
Her year: “Lily Dick will definitely be a player in our team to watch. Coming from rugby sevens, she’s learning and adapting to league so well and is a strong runner and defender. I’m really excited to see the impact she can have on our game this year.”
2025 INS: Abigail Roache (Knights), Najvada George (Wests Tigers), Lily Dick (Australian Rugby 7s), Rosie Kelly (Eels)
2025 OUTS: Harata Butler (Warriors), Lavinia Tauhalaliku (Warriors), Shellie Long (released), Sareka Mooka (released) Shaniah Power (released), Jazmon Tupou-Witchman (released), Jetaya Faifua (released), Vitalina Naikore (released)
PARRAMATTA EELS
2024 finish: 5th, 5 wins, 4 losses
Coach: Steve Georgallis
Talking point: The Eels won more games than they lost in 2024, but because of the top four finals set up, they missed the playoffs. It’s sparked a hunger among the playing group to go one better this year, and they have the quality and experience to do it.
Pamela Whaley’s prediction: Top six
CAPTAIN’S CALL
Team to beat: “Personally, it’s the Sharks. Especially after losing to them last year so it’s good we’re playing them in round one so we can get that game out of the way and hopefully start the season well,” says captain Mahalia Murphy.
Her year: “Someone who has really impressed me is Martha Mataele, she’s come across from rugby union and been a force in our team and brought a lot of strength, strong running and hard hits. She’s someone to look out for this year. She brings so much to our team.”
2025 INS: Martha Mataele (Super Rugby), Paige Travis (St Helens), Fleur Ginn (Brisbane Tigers)
2025 OUTS: Rosie Kelly (Cowboys), Pihuka Berryman-Duff (Wests Tigers)
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
2024 finish: 9th, 2 wins, 7 losses
Coach: Nathan Cross
Talking point: Former Queensland Origin assistant coach Nathan Cross has come to the club with big expectations and appears to making magic with the Dragons. A stack of rising talent looks set to crack first grade this year, and Cross is tasked with unlocking the potential of some of the best young players in the game – including teenage gun Kasey Reh.
Pamela Whaley’s prediction: Bottom six
CAPTAIN’S CALL
Team to beat: “The Roosters are always the team to beat, year in and year out. Hopefully we get to beat them this year. They’re strong,” says new co-captain Zali Hopkins.
Her year: “Indie Bostock. Hopefully she gets a crack at NRLW this year. She’s looking awesome, the way she puts in on and off the field, her physique, her speed, I can’t wait to see her get out there and hopefully debut.”
2025 INS: Hannah Southwell (Knights), Nita Maynard (Knights), Grace Hamilton (rugby union), Ahlivia Ingram, Pia Tapsell (Western Force Super W rugby), Jayme Millard (Sharks Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership)
2025 OUTS: Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa (Bulldogs), Alexis Tauaneai (Bulldogs), Maatuleio Fotu-Moala (Bulldogs), Tara McGrath-West (Broncos), Tyla King (Sharks), Steph Hancock (released), Kimberley Hunt (released), Kaarla Cowan (released), Tayla Curtis (released)
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
2024 finish: 2nd (premiers) 8 wins, 2 losses
Coach: John Strange
Talking point: The Roosters don’t skip a beat. The return of Corban Baxter from an ACL injury makes for an easy replacement at five-eighth for the injured Tarryn Aiken, who will miss a few weeks with a shoulder injury. A huge chunk of the squad now has Origin experience, while second-rower of the year Olivia Kernick has been named at lock for Round 1 against the Warriors. Kernick plays lock for NSW and her ball playing at No.13 could make the Roosters’ attack even more lethal. As premiers, they have to go to a new level again in 2025.
Pamela Whaley’s prediction: Top six
CAPTAIN’S CALL
Team to beat: “I think Broncos, every year they always recruit well, they always have a lot of experience and they have a lot of players who want to go that extra mile. They’re led by two great leaders in Ali and Tamika,” said Isabelle Kelly.
Her year: “We’ve had a lot of injuries in the last few years, so to have Corban (Baxter) back, that’s huge. She captained us in 2021 to a premiership, she’s one of my best mates, I see how hard she works, she’s a great mum and she’s really put herself out there to do well this year.”
2025 INS: Rima Butler (Knights), Macie Carlile (Bulldogs Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership), Jayde Herdegen (Knights)
2025 OUTS: Sam Bremner (retired), Kalosipani Hopoate (Bulldogs), Tiana Davison (Knights), Millie Elliott (pregnancy)
WARRIORS
2024 finish: n/a
Coach: Ronald Griffiths
Talking point: Griffiths won two titles with the Knights and is the perfect coach to set up a brand new squad with the Warriors, who make their return to the NRLW for the first time in five seasons. They’ve had a massive recruitment drive, which includes a heavy smattering of New Zealand based rugby union players who have made the code switch to rugby league.
Pamela Whaley’s prediction: Bottom six
CAPTAIN’S CALL
Team to beat: “Our first game is against the team to beat (the Roosters). They took out the premiership last year so it’s a great way to start the season,” said Apii Nicholls.
Her year: “I’m looking forward to seeing Patricia Maliepo from rugby. She’s really young but super confident and brings mad skills to our team. She’s one to watch in this space.”
2025 INS: Emmanita Paki (Knights), Lavinia Tauhalaliku (Cowboys), Matekino Gray (Titans), Laishon Albert-Jones (Knights), Apii Nicholls (Raiders), Mya Hill-Moana (Roosters), Harata Butler (Cowboys), Capri Paekau (Eels), Metanoia Fotu-Moala, Tyra Wetere (rugby union), Lavinia Tauhalaliku (Cowboys), Michaela Blyde (NZ rugby), Tysha Ikenasio (NZ rugby), Payton Takimoana (NZ rugby), Kalyn Takitimu-Cook (NZ rugby), Makayla Eli (Manly Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership), Kaiyah Atai, Felila Kia, Lavinia Kitai, Maarire Puketapu, Lydia Turua-Quedley, Emily Curtain (Wests Tigers), Avery-Rose Carmont (Ōtāhuhu Leopards).
WESTS TIGERS
2024 finish: 10th (wooden spoon) 2 wins, 7 losses
Coach: Brett Kimmorley
Talking point: The Tigers have only won four games across their first two seasons in the competition and are hoping for more out of 2025. Losing Leianna Taufuga and Bo Vette-Welsh is a hit for Kimmorley’s side, but they also have a stack of young talent to blood.
Pamela Whaley’s prediction: Bottom six
CAPTAIN’S CALL
Team to beat: “The Bulldogs, they’re new and I’m excited to play them. The Broncos too, there’s history there, and obviously the Roosters won the premiership too,” said Kezie Apps.
Her year: “I’m excited to see Terina Te Tamaki who has come across from union, she only played her first game of league in our trial game. She’s just a really great trainer, she has amazing footwork and she’s naturally talented in that regard, so I’m excited to see her in open space or one-on-one with a player.”
2025 OUTS: Ebony Prior (Bulldogs), Bo Vette-Welsh (Knights), Leianne Tufuga (Raiders), Najvada George (Cowboys), Emily Curtain (Warriors), Pauline Piliae-Rasabale (Titans)
2025 INS: Jetaya Faifua (Cowboys), Jade Fonua (Eels), Faythe Manera (Super Rugby), Lily Rogan (Steelers), Caitlin Turnbull (Wentworthville), Patricia Maliepo (rugby union), Pihuka Berryman-Duff (Eels), Emily Bass (Titans), Terina Te Tamaki (rugby sevens)
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Originally published as Sydney Roosters tipped as the team to beat in exclusive poll of NRLW captains
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