NRLW Signings Tracker: Squads announced for new season

New Zealand rugby sevens star Tenika Willison is set to join the Knights at the conclusion of the Paris Olympics after signing a two-year deal with the club. 

The 26-year-old will arrive in Newcastle determined to provide an instant impact as they chase a third-straight NRLW title. 

Willison replaces Tamerah Leati who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the pre-season and Knights coach Ben Jeffries said he hopes the rugby star will add plenty to his side. 

"We have been impressed with her professional mindset, when you combine that with an extensive football and willingness to play anywhere in the backline, we believe Tenika will instantly further develop our evolving playing group," Jeffries said. 

“With her ability to play anywhere in the backline, Tenika adds great depth to our squad and quality across the park, creating even more healthy competition for places in our 2024 campaign.”

Former Jillaroos star Sam Bremner will come out of retirement to join the injury-hit Roosters for the upcoming NRLW season. 

The versatile back enjoyed a decorated career that began in 2011, playing for the Dragons and Roosters before retiring at the start of last year after leading the Jillaroos to victory in the 2022 World Cup. She then transitioned to coaching and was an assistant coach for the Sky Blues during the recent State of Origin series.

The Tricolours have been ravaged by injuries throughout the past couple of weeks, with Brydie Parker and Corban Baxter suffering serious injuries in last Saturday's trial against the Sharks. Shawden Burton has also been ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury. 

Bremner provides cover across multiple positions and Roosters coach John Strange said her experience will prove crucial throughout the campaign. 

“Sam’s skill, experience and leadership are second to none and her presence will be a huge asset to our squad," Strange said.

"While Sam is incredibly fit and has a very strong footy IQ, we won’t be rushing her into the side before she has had the opportunity to reacquaint herself with the rigors of NRLW training."

The Bulldogs have begun locking down their spine for the club's introduction into the NRLW in 2025, with Cronulla halfback Tayla Preston becoming the club's first signing followed by Raiders hooker Ashleigh Quinlan and Wests Tigers hooker Ebony Prior. 

Preston will join the club next year on a two-year deal that runs through to the end of 2026. 

The playmaker grew up in Canterbury and led the Bulldogs to the 2023 NSWRL Harvey Norman Premiership grand final. She made her NRLW debut with the Eels in 2022 before moving to the Sharks last year. 

Quinlan has signed a two-year deal and will join the Bulldogs after playing the 2024 season with Canberra.

The 29-year-old first developed her playmaking skills as a touch football player, winning a Touch World Cup with Australia and several Trans-Tasman titles, before making the transition to Rugby League.

A dynamic five-eighth, Quinlan has demonstrated her spark in the NRLW having produced eight try assists and scored two tries across 15 appearances to date. 

The Bulldogs have announced the signing of Prior for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Prior, a talented tag-to-tackle convert, showcased her skills through the Wests Tigers Tarsha Gale and Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership squads before making her NRLW debut last season.

Quick out of dummy half and with good footwork, Cavallaro’s vision for the incumbent signing is to see her pair with Preston.

Canterbury added to the roster on Wednesday with the unveiling of Cronulla centre Andie Robinson on a two-year deal and back-rower Pauline Suli-Ruka, the first player to progress from the Bulldogs Academy to the club's inaugural NRLW squad.

Meanwhile the Knights have announced contract extensions for a pair of emerging players. 

Promising halfback Evie Jones has signed a three-year deal that will see her remain at the club through to the end of the 2027 season. 

Two-time premiership winner Kayla Romaniuk has also signed a new contract that keeps her in Newcastle for a further two years. 

Otesa Pule has extended her contract with the Roosters for an additional two years which will see her remain with the club until at least the end of 2026.

The 21-year-old forward made her NRLW debut with the Roosters in 2022, progressing through the club’s Tarsha Gale and NSW Women’s Premiership sides that same year.

In her debut season, Pule was also a member of the Kiwi Ferns squad in the World Cup squad and has played eight Tests to date.

“‘Tes’ (Pule) brings energy and a determination to improve to every session. She has a team first mentality and there’s no doubt that she will play a crucial role in our future success,” Roosters NRLW coach John Strange said. 

Pule's re-signing comes after the Roosters added former Eel Taina Naividi and development list player Eliza Lopamaua to their Top 24 for the upcoming season.

Naividi made her NRLW debut in the delayed 2021 NRLW season with Parramatta and she makes her return to the NRLW after recovering from an ACL injury.

Lopamaua, who was vice-captain for the 2022 inaugural Australian Schoolgirls team, has progressed to the NRLW squad via the Roosters Female Pathway Program.

Fellow Kiwi Ferns international Madison Bartlett has extended her time with the Raiders until the end of the 2026 NRLW season in a bid to push for World Cup selection.

Bartlett, who has scored 18 NRLW tries from 25 games since her debut in 2019, missed last year's Pacific Championships but wants to regain her New Zealand jersey. 

Canberra's leading tryscorer of 2023, with nine tries in seven appearances, Bartlett said she was excited about continuing to play under Darren Borthwick and have her long-term future settled with the Raiders. 

"My short-term goal is doing well with the team but I think also having a consistent coach helps with going to the next level," Bartlett said.

“I obviously missed out on Kiwis last year but with the World Cup in 2026, I think being settled with a coach that knows what he needs to get out of me and how to get it out of me is probably one thing as well that is a real positive."

Rugby Sevens convert Georgia Grey has earned the final spot in the Titans’ NRLW squad for the 2024 season.

The teenager has been elevated from Gold Coast’s development list and created history by scoring the first try in the Manly Sea Eagles’ opening round of the Harvey Norman NSW Cup last weekend.

With Grey’s promotion, Titans Academy playmaker Lailani Montgommery has joined the NRLW squad in the vacant development spot role.

Parramatta have signed New Zealand rugby representative Rosie Kelly to a one-year deal for this year's NRLW campaign. 

The playmaker has made two appearances for the Black Ferns and joins the Eels after returning from New Zealand's pre-Olympic camp in France. 

“Playing in the NRLW is an exciting challenge in my career and I look forward to getting to know the girls,” Kelly said.

“There’s a couple of players in the Eels NRLW who I know from international rugby, and I hope to help our debutants and young Harvey Norman pathway players to achieve their goals."

The Sharks have extended Kiwi star Annessa Biddle on a new two-year contract to remain at the club until at least the end of 2027.

The 2023 NRLW Dally M Rookie of the Year burst onto the scene last season, scoring two tries across eight matches for the Sharks before earning her maiden New Zealand cap in October.

"Annessa was outstanding last season and, scarily, is only going to get better with more experience," coach Tony Herman said.

"Not only is she naturally gifted, but Annessa also works extremely hard and is a pleasure to coach. She will be a pillar of our team for years to come."

The news comes after former Jillaroos and New South Wales representative Nakia Davis-Welsh has earned an NRLW contract with the Sharks for the upcoming season while Talei Holmes re-signed until the end of 2026.

American recruit Liz Tafuna has been released by Sydney Roosters on medical grounds ahead of the upcoming NRLW season.

Tafuna, who has represented the USA in rugby sevens, arrived in Australia earlier this month for pre-season training after becoming the first North American player signed on an NRLW contract.

However, after undergoing a series of medical tests a health condition was detected which would impact on her preparation to play in the NRLW this season. 

Despite being too unwell to complete the testing at the combine, a number of clubs expressed interest in Tafuna and Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said he hoped she would get another opportunity in the NRLW.

"It's really unfortunate for Liz and the club but her health is our first priority," Kelly said. "Hopefully she can resolve her health issues and we will see her back out here in the future."

Tafuna's departure leaves the Roosters with a position to fill in their NRLW squad and the club will sign another player in coming weeks.

The Broncos, meanwhile, have locked down the final spots on their roster with the signings of Lavinia Gould and Bree Spreadborough.

Gould is a Broncos 'original', maintaining her spot as one of only five players still on the roster from the inaugural 2018 season along with Ali Brigginshaw, Julia Robinson, Chelsea Lenarduzzi and Mariah Denman.

Brisbane's final place in the 24-player NRLW squad has been given to backrower Spreadborough who has been playing with the Central Queensland Capras in the BMD Premiership competition. 

The Gold Coast Titans have farewelled rugby league icon Steph Hancock, who has joined the Dragons for 2024 as an injury replacement for Tara McGrath-West, who has been ruled out for the campaign with a sternum injury. 

Pihuka Berryman-Duff and forward Jade Fonua will continue their NRLW careers with Parramatta. Both youngsters made their NRLW debuts with the Eels last season and have each signed a one-year deal to return in 2024.

The Knights have signed former New Zealand netball star Grace Kukutai and fellow Super Rugby convert Isabella Waterman for the upcoming NRLW season.

Canberra rounded out its roster for 2024 with the addition of rookie trio Jaida Faleono, Tatiana Finau and Relna Wuruki-Hosea.

Official 2024 Squad Lists 

• See the official signings tracker hub

Updated NRL Telstra Women's Premiership rosters for the 2024 season are below. Contract lengths, as well as player, club and mutual options, are listed in full.

• Player option (PO): Player has the option to activate additional year(s)
• Club option (CO): Club has the option to activate additional year(s)
• Mutual option (MO): Both parties discuss the option to activate additional year(s)

Your club's NRLW contract list:

Broncos | Raiders | Sharks

Titans | Knights | Cowboys | Eels

Dragons | Roosters | Wests Tigers

Brisbane Broncos

Development List

2024 gains: Bree Spreadborough (Central Queensland Capras), Keilee Joseph (Roosters), Stacey Waaka (rugby union), Skyla Adams.

2024 losses: Filomina Hanisi (Sharks), Grace Griffin (unsigned), Narikah Orchard (unsigned), Toni Hunt (unsigned).

Canberra Raiders

Development List

2024 gains: Amelia Pasikala (Roosters), Jaida Faleono (Titans), Relna Wuruki-Hosea (Brisbane Tigers), Sereana Naitokatoka (Sharks), Tatiana Finau (Bulldogs).

2024 losses: Ahlivia Ingram (unsigned), Jessica Gentle (unsigned), Petesa Lio (unsigned), Tara Reinke (unsigned).

2025 losses: Ashleigh Quinlan (Bulldogs)

Canterbury Bulldogs

2025 gains: Tayla Preston (Sharks), Ashleigh Quinlan (Raiders), Ebony Prior (Wests Tigers), Andie Robinson (Sharks)

Cronulla Sharks

Development List

2024 gains: Pia Tapsell (rugby union), Filomina Hanisi (Broncos), Georgia Hannaway (Norths Devils), Nakia Davis-Welsh (Eels), Manilita Takapautolo.

2025 gains*: Caitlan Johnston (Knights).

2024 losses: Harata Butler (Cowboys), Sereana Naitokatoka (Raiders), Jazmon Tupou-Witchman (unsigned), Kiana Takairangi (unsigned), Maddie Studdon (unsigned).

Gold Coast Titans

Development List

2024 gains: Ivana Lolesio (rugby union), Ngatokotoru Arakua (Souths Logan Magpies), Georgia Sim (Western Clydesdales), Lily Kolc, Malaela Su'a, Matekino Gray.

2024 losses: Stephanie Hancock (Dragons), Brooke Saddler (unsigned), Kaitlyn Phillips (unsigned), Sophie Buller (unsigned).

** ruled out of 2024 season with injury.

Newcastle Knights

Development List

2024 gains: Grace Kukutai (rugby union), Evie Jones, Isabella Waterman, Jacinta Carter.

2025 gains: Fane Finau.

2024 losses: Jasmin Strange (Roosters), Tiana Davison (Roosters).

2025 losses: Caitlan Johnston (Sharks).

North Queensland Cowboys

Development List

2024 gains: Jakiya Whitfeld (Wests Tigers), Caitlin Tanner (Wynnum Manly), Ebony Rafstrand-Smith (Mackay Cutters), Libby Surha (Mackay Cutters), Lily Peacock (Mackay Cutters), Lillian Yarrow (Mackay Cutters).

2024 losses: April Ngatunpuna (unsigned), Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly (unsigned), Mia Middleton (Eels), Merewalesi Rokouono (unsigned), Sera Koroi (unsigned), Shaylee Joseph (Broncos).

Parramatta Eels

Development List

2024 gains: Chloe Jackson, Lindsay Tui, Tafao Asaua, Taneka Todhunter, Rory Owen, Kate Fallon.

2024 losses: Amelia Huakau (Wests Tigers), Kimberley Hunt (Dragons), Kelsey Clark (unsigned), Shannon Muru (unsigned), Shontelle Stowers (unsigned), Talesha O'Neill (unsigned).

St George Illawarra Dragons

Development List

2024 gains: Alice Gregory (rugby union), Kasey Reh, Charlotte Basham, Bronte Wilson, Leio Fotu-Moala (rugby union), Kimberley Hunt (Eels), Stephanie Hancock (Titans), Tayla Curtis.

2024 losses: Cortez Te Pou (unsigned), Page McGregor (unsigned), Sarah Riordan (unsigned), Taylor Mapusua (unsigned).

** ruled out of 2024 season with injury.

Sydney Roosters

Development List

2024 gains: Imogen Hei, Jasmin Strange (Knights), Tiana Davison (Knights), Liz Tafuna (rugby union), Mia Wood, Samantha Economos (hockey), Tavarna Papalii, Taina Naividi, Sam Bremner (Roosters).

2024 losses: Alexandrea Kiriwi (unsigned), Keilee Joseph (Broncos), Amelia Pasikala (Raiders), Joeli Morris (unsigned), Lily Rogan (unsigned), Tyler Bentley (unsigned), Liz Tafuna (released on medical grounds).

Wests Tigers 

Development List

2024 gains: Amelia Huakau (Eels), Brooke Talataina, Claudia Nielsen (rugby union), Natasha Penitani, Harmony Crichton, Imogen Gobran, Shaianne McGlone (Burleigh Bears), Tara Reinke (Western Clydesdales), Tiana Lee-Thorne.

2024 losses: Bianca Bennetts (unsigned), Eliza Siilata (unsigned), Jakiya Whitfeld (Cowboys), Josie Lenaz (unsigned).

2025 losses: Ebony Prior (Bulldogs)