The 2025 NRLW season is shaping up as one of the most competitive yet, with player movement, retirements, and a wave of young stars reshaping club dynamics across the competition. From the powerhouse Roosters to the rebuilding Knights, here’s how every club’s roster is positioned heading into the new campaign.
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Newcastle Knights 🔴🔵
The Knights are reeling after the shock departure of Jesse Southwell, a local junior once seen as the club’s long-term playmaking cornerstone. Her exit leaves a major void in the halves and has sent the recruitment team scrambling for a replacement. The club is rumoured to be chasing Kirra Dibb, who captained the Cowboys and previously played a crucial role in Newcastle’s 2022 premiership run. With Tamika Upton still at fullback and a strong forward pack led by Millie Elliott and Hannah Southwell, the Knights have leadership—but their title hopes hinge on solving the halfback puzzle.
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Sydney Roosters 🐔
The Roosters continue to set the benchmark. With Tarryn Aiken and Corban Baxter steering the side and Isabelle Kelly, Jessica Sergis, and Keilee Joseph dominating their edges, the Bondi-based outfit is loaded with representative stars. Their forward depth is elite, and the addition of young guns like Jillaroos prospect Rueben Cherrington ensures the club’s success will continue well into the future.
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Brisbane Broncos 🟠🔵
After a couple of quiet seasons by their lofty standards, the Broncos have rebuilt smartly. Ali Brigginshaw remains the steady hand in the halves, but the emergence of Shenae Ciesiolka and Gayle Broughton has added flair. Brisbane’s forward rotation, featuring Tallisha Harden and Destiny Brill, is powerful and experienced. If their spine clicks, the Broncos could easily surge back into premiership contention.
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North Queensland Cowboys 🤠
The Cowboys have been steadily improving since their NRLW debut, and Kirra Dibb’s leadership has been central to that growth. However, if she does depart for Newcastle, it will be a significant setback. Still, with Emma Manzelmann and China Polata providing spark, the Cowboys remain competitive. The key for them will be maintaining cohesion and blooding young talent.
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Canberra Raiders 💚
The Raiders surprised plenty in their debut season and now look to build on that foundation. With Zahara Temara pulling the strings in the halves and Sami Bremner’s experience at the back, Canberra boasts a balanced mix of youth and leadership. Their pack, led by Simaima Taufa, is among the toughest in the comp. Expect the Green Machine to push hard for finals in 2025.
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St George Illawarra Dragons 🔴⚪
The Dragons are rebuilding but doing so with purpose. Teagan Berry remains one of the most electrifying fullbacks in the game, and Keele Brown continues to develop as a genuine playmaking option. With several fresh faces joining their roster, the Dragons will rely heavily on their young stars stepping up.
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Parramatta Eels 💛💙
After a disappointing 2024, the Eels have revamped their squad, adding muscle to their forward pack and speed in their backline. The combination of Rachael Pearson and Abbi Church will be critical, while the club’s focus on local juniors suggests a long-term rebuild is in motion.
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Gold Coast Titans 💛💙
Fresh off a breakout year, the Titans boast one of the most complete rosters in the league. With Lauren Brown, Shannon Mato, and Destiny Mino-Sinapati, Gold Coast has balance, power, and poise. They’ll enter 2025 as genuine contenders once again.
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From the Knights’ halfback crisis to the Roosters’ relentless depth, the NRLW landscape is evolving quickly. Every club has a story—some chasing redemption, others dynasty—and as the next generation of stars emerges, 2025 is shaping as the most unpredictable season yet.
