The NRLW

By Stephen Gallagher

The NRLW season is back, kicking off on Saturday with four new teams which means there are ten in total. 

The three inaugural teams from 2018 are the Brisbane Broncos, the St George Illawarra Dragons, and the Sydney Roosters (the fourth being the New Zealand Warriors, who withdrew through covid and are looking to return).

The competition expanded in 2021 – played at the beginning of 2022, with the Parramatta Eels, Newcastle Knights, and Gold Coast Titans joining.

The four new teams joining the competition in 2023 are the North Queensland Cowboys, Canberra Raiders, Cronulla Sharks and Wests Tigers.

I’m excited for the return of the women’s game. I think four new teams is a bit much, and obviously, we have seen the concerns around expanding too quickly. The AFLW has seen some horrendously low-scoring games and some ridiculously one-sided affairs in the 18-team competition. I’d have liked to see maybe two new teams, and the opportunity to play every side twice.

Below I’m just going to give you a bit of an outline about each team, and what my thoughts will be for the outcome of the season.

Newcastle Knights – last year this Knights side won the entire competition. They’ve lost a couple of key players but still have a very strong squad.

Fullback Tamika Upton is the best fullback in the world in the women’s game. She’s great at kick returns and is deadly with a bit of space. She’s a very key player in their attack.

Jesse Southwell, a teen phenomenon and has a massive career ahead of her. At only 18 she’s won a premiership in the NRLW, represented her country in Rugby Sevens, and won gold at the Commonwealth Games with them.

She’s got the ball on a string and has great vision. A must-watch.

Caitlan Johnston won NRLW prop of the year last season and has trimmed down and moved out to the edge. Loves the contact and will ruffle the feathers of opposition attackers.

Predicted finish: Third

 

Saint George Illawarra Dragons – have lost a lot of talent with the inclusion of neighbours Cronulla, and will struggle this season for the most part. Coach Jamie Soward is blooding plenty of youngsters in this squad for their first game, but still have some players to watch.

Tyla Nathan-Wong comes across from Sevens rugby in New Zealand and is partnering Golden Boot and Dally M winner Raecene McGregor in the halves. I genuinely think these two could be the best halves in the comp if they can work well together and get the rest of the team firing.

Teagan Berry shifts to fullback which will unlock her long stride and ballplaying ability. We know she’s got pace for days, and she will score plenty of tries this season.

Predicted finish: Ninth

 

Gold Coast Titans have bolstered their side with key signings for this campaign. What I like about them is they have a good balance of raw talent and experience.

Georgia Hale has played for her country on several times, played over in England in the Super League comp, and now gets to captain the Gold Coast.

She never stops on the field, and will lead by her actions in a big way.

Steph Handcock is 41 – I repeat, 41, and does not look like giving up. This former Jillaroos captain makes every tackle and run impactful.

Jaime Chapman is electric in the centres. Moved from Wollongong to the GC, she will get plenty of chances to show off her skills.

Predicted finish: Seventh

 

North Queensland Cowboys are going to find this season tough. Travelling from Townsville to Sydney will be a big ask for a lot of these women who are making their debut in the NRLW this season.

Kirra Dibb is a good game manager and will help this young side get around the pitch in key moments.

And don’t get in the way of second-rower Shaniah Power. It’s in her name. Powerful player and loves the physicality of the game.

Predicted finish: Tenth

 

Brisbane Broncos will be looking to get back into the winners’ circle after winning the competition in its first three years. They’ve got a good squad and thrive in big matches.

Ali Brigginshaw, what more needs to be said about her? She’s all class and has done it all – and will continue to do it all again this season.

I love the way Chelsea Lenarduzzi plays. Never shies away from the contact and has a quick play the ball. 

Plus here’s a tip, don’t run at Mele Hufanga in the centres. A weapon for the Kiwi Ferns in their World Cup campaign last year.

Predicted finish: Second

 

Sydney Roosters, much like their men’s side – are stacked with talent and are my pick for the title in 2023.

Millie Boyle will run it straight every chance she gets and won’t ever let this Roosters team down.

Rangey, tall, and hard to tackle, Olivia Kernick loves a good line on the right edge. Represented her state, country, and both her cultures – she’s in her third NRLW season and is getting better each week.

Corban Baxter is back after giving birth five months ago. Will be a great addition at fullback.

Predicted finish: First

 

Parramatta Eels have plenty of new faces and new ones that will really add some depth to their roster. They’ll be out to go one better from their grand final loss last season.

Reuben and Kennedy Cherrington will bang opponents all day. Reuben is a great hooker and Kennedy is tough at lock.

Elsie Albert is so hard to tackle and hits hard. A physical presence on the field, you never see her get tackled easily and will look to keep Parra on the front foot.

Rachael Pearson is their captain and halfback – and is a great goal kicker and player. Will be key for their attack.

Predicted finish: Fifth

 

Wests Tigers are there for their inaugural season and there’s plenty to look forward to for this playing group. They will be tough in every game.

Botille Vette-Welsh sadly tore her ACL in the 2021 season with Parramatta and is ready to roll at fullback. She will have plenty to prove.

The Curtain twins, Emily and Sophie have some big wraps on them. It’s awesome to see them get to play for their club together and will add plenty of ability to their attack.

Kezie Apps makes the move from the Dragons and is one of the best performers every year in the NRLW.

Predicted finish: Eighth.

 

Cronulla Sharks look like a really good squad on paper this year, and in their first year, I can’t wait to see how they grow through the season and play some very good football. 

If you saw that viral 109-metre runaway try from the U19 Women’s Origin game in 2022 you will be familiar with Jada Taylor. Her never give up attitude and relentless stamina will be a massive boost at the back.

I really can’t wait to see Emma Tonegato with the ball in her hand more switching to the halves. 

Tegan Dymock will look to carve out her own path and career in the NRLW in her third season at lock.

Predicted finish: Fourth

 

The Canberra Raiders will have a tight-knit group. There’s not a helluva lot to do in Canberra, but what they will be doing is getting to know each other well and be playing 60 minutes every week for each other.

Mackenzie Wiki played well for the Cook Islands in the RLWC21, and seeing a Wiki in Green is so right.

Simaima Taufa is a hard-working player who never cuts corners in her prep and it shows on the field. One of the fittest in the comp and is an absolute workhorse.

Zahara Temara will wear the metaphorical captain’s armband after five years at the Roosters, this new opportunity will be great for her.

Predicted finish: Fifth

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