KIERSTEN DUKE: Michaela Brake swaps rugby sevens for NRLW to take on likes of Tamika Upton, Hannah Southwell
The hotly-anticipated official launch of the NRLW season is just a day away. We’ve survived a long off-season and had three game Origin series as a massive appetiser. Finally, the main meal is here.
Both the NZ Warriors and Canterbury Bulldogs have entered the group chat this season sparking exciting movement in the player market.
The league has attracted some top quality international talent this season, big names have switched clubs and emerging under-19s stars are set to debut.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.When speaking of big talents, it would be in poor taste if I didn’t credit Sharks forward Vanessa Foliaki on her stellar career. The 31-year-old announced her immediate NRLW retirement this week after playing 38 NRLW matches while also representing Australia, Tonga and NSW.
After hanging up the boots Foliaki can look back on her glittering career with pride. It includes a 2017 World Cup victory with the Jillaroos, four NRLW grand final appearances and captaining Tonga at the 2024 Pacific Championships. But Folaki can be confident the NRLW will continue to produce stars like her. Here are five players to watch this season.
5. PAIGE TRAVIS
The fourth English player to test herself in the NRL comes in the form of second rower Paige Travis, who made the switch from Super League club St Helens to the Parramatta Eels.
Originally from Lancashire, Travis brings a wealth of experience at Test, World Cup and club level. Her raw strength will compliment the Eels squad perfectly.
4. TAMIKA UPTON
After three years in Newcastle the star fullback is returning home to the Broncos.
The full circle moment comes five years after Upton made her NRLW debut in the Broncos’ inaugural squad, winning premierships with them back-to-back in 2019 and 2020.
Always oozing an exciting X-factor in attack, this year Upton will be a force to be reckoned with combining with Brisbane halves Gayle Broughton and Ali Brigginshaw.
3. HANNAH SOUTHWELL
It’s been made no secret that behind the scenes the Dragons have been working astonishingly hard to build their girls up to have their best season yet. From having brand new sports bras fitted to group wrestling classes with UFC champion Alex Volkanovski, the management team are leaving no stone unturned this year.
The same aggressive method has been applied to their signings. Boasting a flawless kicking game, Hannah Southwell will be a fantastic addition to the red V’s for the next two years. While the 26-year-old is a well-known Novacastrian, she was part of the Dragons’ inaugural 2018 squad and I have no doubt she’ll be excited to head to Kogarah.
2. GEORGIA HANNAWAY
A former Australian rugby sevens prodigy, Hannaway signed a three-year deal with the Sharks in 2024.
Her natural speed and instinctive playmaking ability saw the youngster have a breakthrough season last year.
The five-eighth played seven games and deservingly won the club’s NRLW Rookie of the Year award. This year she’s already making moves, scoring a Queensland Origin debut and something tells me this is just the beginning of her NRLW journey.
1. MICHAELA BRAKE
Heading the new talent joining the competition is none other than two-time Olympic gold medallist Michaela Brake (nee Blyde).
In January the Kiwi became the second woman to score 250 tries in the international rugby sevens competition and holds the record for most tries in a single fixture.
The 29-year-old speedster has made a major code swap signing a one-year deal with the Warriors. With a talent like Brake, the Warriors are sure to make their presence felt in the team’s debut year.
