NRLW TEAMS & PREVIEWS - 2025 Round 1

It's Teamlist Tuesday! Get all the NRLW teamlists and officials here from 4pm each Tuesday, with updated squads and late mail across the round.

Here's when everything happens:

• Tuesday afternoon: match official appointments
• Tuesday 4pm: squads named for each club
• 24 hours from kickoff: squad update (three players omitted, squads reduced to 19)
• One hour from kickoff: final lineups (17 players plus one reserve or '18th player')

The competition

The NRLW has expanded to a 12-team competition this year, with Canterbury-Bankstown introduced and the Warriors returning after a four-season absence (having withdrawn at the end of 2020). The season will be played over 11 rounds with a top-six, three week finals series to be played in September and October.

Time zones

All times are listed in AEST (NSW/QLD/VIC/ACT). Variations on kickoffs in other time zones are shown where appropriate.

Broadcast info

All matches are broadcast on the Nine Network (check guides), 9Now, Fox Sports (check guides) and Kayo Sports in Australia. International viewers should check with local broadcast partners for airing information.

MORE TEAMS?

Click here for teamlists from other competitions including NRL, NSWRL, QRL, Origin and squads from the UK, as well as teams articles from previous rounds.

Socials

Twitter: Follow @LeagueUnlimited
Bluesky: Follow @LeagueUnlimited.bsky.social
Instagram: Follow @LeagueUnlimited

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (W) v Parramatta Eels (W)
Thu July 3 2025, 7:45pm at Sharks Stadium, Woolooware / Dharawal

1. Emma Verran 2. Cassie Staples 3. Tiana Penitani 4. Annessa Biddle 5. Georgia Ravics 6. Georgia Hannaway 7. Chantay Kiria-Ratu 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Quincy Dodd 10. Jacinta Carter 11. Talei Holmes 12. Rhiannon Byers 13. Brooke Anderson 14. Nakia Davis-Welsh 15. Jaydika Tafua 16. Manilita Takapautolo 17. Filomina Hanisi 19. Grace-Lee Weekes

Update: 20. Dominique Du Toit and 21. Tommaya Kelly-Sines drop out. Leilua and Weekes remain.

Late mail: 1-17. 18. Leki Leilua is omitted with Weekes as 18th player.

1. Abbi Church 2. Zali Fay 3. Rory Owen 4. Lindsay Tui 5. Martha Mataele 6. Cassey Tohi-Hiku 7. Rachael Pearson 8. Elsie Albert 9. Rueben Cherrington 19. Tess McWilliams 11. Chloe Jackson 12. Paige Travis 13. Ryvrr-Lee Alo 14. Taneka Todhunter 15. Rysh'e Fa'amausili 16. Ruby-Jean Kennard 17. Fleur Ginn 18. Mia Middleton

Update: 20. Mahalia Murphy 21. Yasmine Baker and 22. Chelsea Makira cut. Middleton and McWilliams remain.

Late mail: 10. Breanna Eales is out with McWilliams brought in at prop. Middleton is 18th player.

Referees: Belinda Sharpe;Sideline Officials: Mitchell Currie, Micheal Ford;Video Referees: Kasey Badger;

Sharks v Eels preview

Josh Robertson

The opening match of the  2025 NRLW season comes from Shark Park as the Cronulla Sharks take on the Parramatta Eels.

2024 would be deemed a successful season for the Sharks after their maiden NRLW Grand Final Appearance albeit falling at the final hurdle with their 32-28 loss against the Roosters. Cronulla went down 24-0 at half time and almost pulled off one of the great comebacks as they came within two points of the Roosters. The Sharks season as a whole was a strong one and they will look to build on that experience from last year. The Sharks have lost a key component of their side from last season with Tayla Preston heading across to the Bulldogs for the season. Cronulla have also lost Vanessa Foliaki out of their Grand Final side after announcing her sudden retirement from the game. The Sharks line up with Emma Verran at fullback and Tiana Penitani Gray playing in the centres after playing in the halves for New South Wales.

Just missing the finals, the Parramatta Eels will be looking to go at least one spot better than they did in 2024 when they finished fifth on the ladder missing out on the finals by 2 points and a negative for and against. Consistency was an issue for the Eels as they managed to pull off a first round win against eventual minor premiers the Sydney Roosters before a narrow loss to the Sharks. The Eels struggled at times against better teams but then lost a few games they shouldn't have. The Eels side has already been left with a blow with both Mahalia Murphy and Kennedy Cherrington ruled out of the side through injury. Murphy is named in the reserves but not expected to play as the side is pretty consistent from last season.

Players To Watch: After missing the 2024 NRLW season through injury, Cook Islands International Chantay Kiria-Ratu links with the Sharks after being contracted to the Gold Coast last season. Kiria-Ratu is an exciting player and has big shoes to fill taking over from Taylah Preston but the youngster has the ability. Eels halfback Rachael Pearson has become one of the games top players but a lack of consistency has hurt her game after missing out on selection for the 2025 Origin Series despite holding the incumbency in 2024. The Eels will need Pearson's control to help them win this one and through the season.

Tip: The Sharks should be able to beat the Eels in this one. The Eels losing two key players is going to be tough to overcome because the Sharks side has enough spark in the backline. Sharks by 10.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (W) v Newcastle Knights (W)
Fri July 4 2025, 5:40pm at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal

1. Andie Robinson 2. Bridget Hoy 3. Simina Lokotui 4. Moana Courtenay 5. Adi Vani Buleki 6. Ash Quinlan 7. Tayla Preston 8. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 14. Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau 10. Tegan Dymock 11. Alexis Tauaneai 12. Latisha Smythe 13. Holli Wheeler 9. Ebony Prior 15. Shaniece Monschau 16. Shannon Muru 17. Kalosipani Hopoate 18. Hope Millard

Update: 20. Anneka Wilson 21. Paea Uilou and 22. Pauline Suli-Ruka cut. Millard and MacGregor remain.

LM: Prior drops to the bench with Mahakitau-Monschau to start. 19. Elizabeth MacGregor has been omitted. Hope Millard is 18th player.

1. Botille Vette-Welsh 2. Sheridan Gallagher 3. Shanice Parker 4. Tenika Willison 5. Lilly-Ann White 6. Georgia Roche 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Tayla Predebon 9. Joeli Morris 10. Tiana Davison 11. Evah McEwen 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Kayla Romaniuk 14. Jules Kirkpatrick 15. Simone Karpani 16. Sienna Yeo 17. Grace Kukutai 18. Tess Staines

Update: 19. Evie Jones 20. Keighley Simpson and 22. Leah Ollerton cut. Staines and Tinao remain.

LM: 1-17 - Tess Staines as concussion sub with 21. Viena Tinao omitted.

Referees: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski;Sideline Officials: Karra-Lee Nolan, Ethan Klein;Video Referees: Matt Noyen;

Bulldogs v Knights preview

Josh Robertson

The Canterbury Bulldogs make their first appearance on the NRLW stage as they play host to the Newcastle Knights at Accor Stadium on Friday night.

It's been a long wait for the Blue and White to come into the NRLW and it's no doubt going to be a huge atmosphere for the Bulldogs when they take the field. The key signing for Canterbury was that of Tayla Preston moving across to Bulldogs from the Sharks. The Bulldogs have a team mixed with experience and youth which will bring them forward. The Bulldogs have named an experienced halves pairing with New Zealand international Ash Quinlan named at five-eighth joining Canterbury from the Raiders. The youth aspect of the side is on show with Andie Robinson named at fullback bringing exciting speed and talent on the park into the Bulldogs along with former Dragon Alexis Tauaneai into the second row.

The Newcastle Knights are looking to continue their good form of recent seasons although they have lost a number of key players including QLD star Tamika Upton returning to the Broncos, Caitlan Johnston departing to the Sharks and second rower Hannah Southwell going to the Dragons. The Knights though still have a strong squad going forward, Newcastle's side still shows enough experience with new recruit Bo Vette-Welsh named at fullback and experience dual-code player Sheridan Gallagher named on the wing. The halves pairing of Jesse Southwell who helped lead NSW to their Origin win and English international Georgia Roche will give the Knights a good footing.

Players To Watch: Bulldogs halfback Tayla Preston will be the key focus for Canterbury not necessarily for the game on Friday night but going forward across the season. Preston's control was vital to the Sharks success in 2024 and coming across to the Bulldogs leading a new team as co-captain will be an important cog for the Bulldogs. Jesse Southwell took a leading role for New South Wales in the 2025 Origin series and lead them to a series win. Southwell showed experience beyond her years and had a commanding role as the solo half for the Blues. At club level she is partnered with the experience Georgia Roche but still will need to take a strong role with the departure of a number of key players including attacking star Tamika Upton.

Tip: The Bulldogs will have the atmosphere behind them at Accor Stadium but I think there is just enough strength in the Knights side to get them home. An experienced spine will give the Knights a big advantage to see off the Dogs. Knights by 6.

Brisbane Broncos (W) v Wests Tigers (W)
Sat July 5 2025, 12:45pm at Totally Workwear Stadium, Coorparoo / Turrbal

1. Tamika Upton 2. Kerri Johnson 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Julia Robinson 5. Hayley Maddick 6. Gayle Broughton 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Keilee Joseph 9. Jada Ferguson 10. Brianna Clark 11. Tara McGrath-West 12. Romy Teitzel 13. Bree Spreadborough 14. Destiny Brill 15. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 16. Tafito Lafaele 17. Shalom Sauaso 18. Lauren Dam

Update: 20. Annetta Nuuausala 21. Azalleyah Maaka and 22. Montaya Hudson cut. Dam and Hicks remain.

Late mail: 1-17, Dam 18th player, 19. Reegan Hicks omitted.

1. Jetaya Faifua 2. Terina Te Tamaki 3. Lily Rogan 4. Emily Bass 5. Caitlin Turnbull 6. Evie McGrath 7. Losana Lutu 8. Sarah Togatuki 9. Pihuka Berryman-Duff 10. Christian Pio 11. Kezie Apps 12. Montana Clifford 13. Jade Fonua 14. Chelsea Savill 15. Tara Reinke 16. Jessikah Reeves 17. Amelia Huakau 18. Faythe Manera

Update: 19. Claudia Brown 21. Rebecca Pollard and 22. Iemaima Etuale cut. Manera and Nielsen remain.

Late mail: 1-17, Manera 18th player, 20. Claudia Nielsen omitted.

Referees: Tori Wilkie;Sideline Officials: Cody Kwik, Izzy Davidson;Video Referees: Kasey Badger;

Broncos v Tigers preview

Beth Nicholls

2024 Minor Premiers, the Brisbane Broncos, host the 2024 Wooden Spooners, the Wests Tigers, with both sides looking to start strong. 

Losing only the opening two of nine rounds in 2024, the Brisbane Broncos were favourites for the premiership after taking home the minor premiership title, however their lacklustre performance against the Sharks saw them miss out on the opportunity to take home a potential fourth premiership.  Returning home after spending three years at the Knights, Tamika Upton is co-captain of the Brisbane side, and starting as fullback. Ali Brigginshaw is the other co-captain, and continues her partnership with Gayle Broughton in the halves, with Jada Ferguson starting hooker. Julia Robinson plays her first game in the centres since 2020, with Kerri Johnson and Hayley Maddick on the wings. 

The Tigers' second season is one they surely would like to forget, having only won two games, and finishing last on the ladder, which came a year after having just missed out on playing finals footy by one win.  Kezie Apps continues to lead the Tigers, with the side staying confident with their young and emerging halves combination of Evie McGrath and Losana Lutu. Joining the Wests Tigers in 2025 is Pihuka Berryman-Duff from the Eels playing at hooker and QLD origin representative Emily Bass, in the centres, where she previously played for the Titans and Broncos. 

Players To Watch: After playing for the Broncos for their 2019 and 2020 premierships before moving to the Newcastle Knights in 2022, Tamika Upton brings experience and X-factor to the Brisbane side. Captaining the QLD Maroons in 2025 and scoring one of the six QLD tries, Upton is a weapon of the game and could be the piece the Broncos were missing in 2024.  Also, a foundation player of the NRLW, playing with the Dragons from 2018, before joining the Wests Tigers in 2024, Kezie Apps brings leadership and strike power to the side. Apps was the Tigers' number one try scorer in their inaugural year, scoring five tries in seven games, though injury in 2024 saw her only feature in three of nine games. 

Tip: It's always hard to pick a winning side in Round 1, but I can't go past the Broncos. Their experienced spine and forward pack mixed with emerging talent makes them a perfect mix to get the job done at home. Broncos by 18.

Canberra Raiders (W) v St George Illawarra Dragons (W)
Sat July 5 2025, 3:15pm at GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce / Ngunnawal

1. Cheyelle Robins-Reti 2. Madison Bartlett 3. Leianne Tufuga 4. Mackenzie Wiki 5. Isabella Waterman 6. Georgia Thomas 7. Zahara Temara 8. Chloe Saunders 9. Chante Temara 10. Sophie Holyman 11. Monalisa Soliola 12. Hollie Dodd 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Emma Barnes 15. Grace Kemp 16. Jordyn Preston 17. Lili Boyle 18. Jaida Faleono

Update: 20. Tatiana Finau 21. Elise Simpson and 22. Relna Wuruki-Hosea cut. Faleono and Tooth remain.
Late Mail: Raiders 1-17; 18. Jaida Faleono the reserve and Madyson Tooth is omitted.

1. Teagan Berry 2. Margot Vella 3. Keele Browne 20. Indie Bostock 4. Bobbi Law 6. Kasey Reh 7. Raecene Mcgregor 8. Madison Mulhall 9. Zali Hopkins 10. Pia Tapsell 11. Shenai Lendill 12. Charlotte Basham 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Nita Maynard 15. Ella Koster 16. Trinity Tauaneai 17. Ahlivia Ingram 18. Bronte Wilson

Update: 19. Grace Hamilton 21. Jamilee McGregor and 22. Jayme Millard cut. Wilson and Bostock remain.

Late Mail: 5. Alice McGregor ruled out with 20. Indie Bostock coming in; 18. Bronte Wilson is the reserve

Referees: Clayton Wills;Sideline Officials: Bradley Kiehne, Micheal Ford;Video Referees: Peter Gough;

Raiders v Dragons preview

Beth Nicholls

First of a double header, the Dragons take on the Raiders away from home in Canberra, just hours before the men's sides' of both these teams also play each other. 

Only having won three games in their second year in 2024, the Raiders will be looking to start this season on a high, and push to make their first finals campaign after narrowly missing out in 2023.  With the off-season loss of Apii Nicholls returning home to the Warriors, Cheyelle Robins-Reti shifts to fullback with Mackenzie Wiki and Leianne Tufuga starting in the centres. Georgia Thomas makes her NRLW debut, previously representing Australia in OzTag, playing in five-eighth alongside Zahara Temara in the halves. 

Nathan Cross joins the Dragons as the 2025 coach, taking over Jamie Soward who coached the side from 2021-2024. Having only won two games in 2024 and missing wooden spoon solely on points differential, the Dragons will be looking to find their spark again.  Kasey Reh and Raecene McGregor are the Dragons partnership, who aren't unfamiliar with each other, along with try scoring weapon Teagan Berry at fullback and Zali Hopkins at hooker. Nita Maynard makes her club debut off the bench, and former Knight Hannah Southwell also makes her Dragons debut, starting at lock. 

Players To Watch: Both halfbacks are experienced players who have been playing for the NRLW since the premiership inception in 2018 and are both captaining their sides for the 2025 season.  Zahara Temara played for the Roosters for five years before joining the Raiders in their inaugural year in 2023. She became the first NRLW player to reach the 40-game milestone in 2024 and brings much experience and leadership to the Canberra side. Last year she scored two tries and made six try assists, both personal bests.  Starting at the Dragons in 2018 before a two-year stint at the Broncos followed by a two-year stint at the Roosters which saw her win three straight premierships, Raecene McGregor is a decorated player, who also reached the 40-game milestone in 2024. 

Tip: Both sides see some big changes made from their 2024 squad, where they combine a mix of experience and young talent. I think this game could go either way, but I think the Dragons have a side that is ready to go right out of the gate. Dragons by 4.

North Queensland Cowboys (W) v Gold Coast Titans (W)
Sat July 5 2025, 5:15pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba

1. Jakiya Whitfeld 2. Krystal Blackwell 3. Abigail Roache 4. Jasmine Peters 5. Francesca Goldthorp 6. Rosie Kelly 7. Kirra Dibb 8. Lillian Yarrow 9. Emma Manzelmann 10. Makenzie Weale 11. Tallisha Harden 17. Essay Banu 13. Bree Chester 12. Hailee-Jay Maunsell 14. Alisha Foord 15. Lily Peacock 16. Najvada George 18. Lily Dick

Update: 20. Ana Malupo,  21. Tafao Asaua and 22. Ebony Raftstrand-Smith omitted. Dick and Tillett remain in the squad.

Late mail: Banu starts back row with Ormond-Maunsell benched. Dick is 18th player, 19. Tahlulah Tillett misses out.

1. Jaime Chapman 2. Kayla Jackson 3. Georgia Grey 4. Ivana Lolesio 5. Destiny Mino-Sinapati 6. Taliah Fuimaono 7. Lauren Brown 8. Natasha Penitani 9. Brittany Breayley-Nati 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Sienna Lofipo 12. Shaylee Bent 13. Georgia Hale 14. Pauline Piliae 15. Dannii Perese 16. Ngatokotoru Arakua 17. Jasmine Solia 18. Takoda Thompson

Update:  20. Megan Pakulis omitted. Thompson and Montgomery remain in the squad.

Late mail: 1-17 with Thompson 18th player and 19. Lailani Montgomery omitted.

Referees: Tyson Brough;Sideline Officials: Conor Wilson, Hamish Kleijn;Video Referees: Matt Noyen;

Cowboys v Titans preview

Kelly Hollis

2025 NRLW season kicks off with a Queensland showdown between the Cowboys and Titans in Townsville.

While both sides finished outside the top four last season—North Queensland in sixth and the Gold Coast in eighth—there's plenty of optimism for a fresh start. The Cowboys notched up four wins to the Titans' three in 2024 and head into this clash with a strong home-ground advantage, having won three of their past four at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

North Queensland have made several off-season moves in a bid to push higher up the ladder. Coach Ricky Henry has named four club debutants, including Kiwi Ferns stars Abigail Roache and Rosie Kelly, with Roache named in the centres and Kelly partnering Kirra Dibb in the halves. Dibb, entering her third season as co-captain, remains the backbone of this Cowboys outfit and sits just six points away from reaching 150 career NRLW points. The ever-reliable Emma Manzelmann joins Dibb as co-captain, with the Mackay product continuing her streak of appearing in every Cowboys NRLW match to date. Jakiya Whitfeld, a standout centre last season, gets her chance to shine at fullback.

The Titans will be out to spoil the party in Townsville and get back on track after an underwhelming 2024. Despite being grand finalists in 2023, they struggled last season due to injuries. This year, they welcome five new faces, including Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Natasha Penitani and debutant Ivana Lolesio, who returns from a long-term knee injury. Origin utility Lauren Brown is back in the halves, while the electric Jaime Chapman shifts to fullback to cover for the absent Evania Isaako and Shannon Mato, who are both sidelined for the season due to pregnancy.

Players To Watch: Cowboys' speedster Jakiya Whitfeld gets her shot at fullback and will be looking to impress early in her preferred role. Expect plenty of attacking spark and involvement across the park. Jaime Chapman takes on the fullback responsibilities this season, and her game-breaking pace and agility will be crucial in sparking the Titans' attack.

Tip: It's never easy to pick a winner in Round 1, but with the Cowboys' solid home record and an exciting mix of experience and fresh faces, they might just have the edge in front of a Townsville crowd. Cowboys by 4.

Sydney Roosters (W) v Warriors (W)
Sun July 6 2025, 11:50am at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park / Gadigal

1. Brydie Parker 2. Taina Naividi 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Jayme Fressard 6. Corban Baxter 7. Jocelyn Kelleher 8. Otesa Pule 9. Keeley Davis 10. Rima Butler 11. Mia Wood 12. Jasmine Strange 13. Olivia Kernick 14. Shawden Burton 15. Macie Carlile 16. Aliyah Nasio 17. Taneisha Gray 18. Jayde Herdegen

Update: 20. Imogen Hei 21. Amber Hall and 22. Tyra Ekepati drop out. Herdegen and Lopamaua remain.

Late mail: 1-17, Herdegen 18th player, 19. Eliza Lopamaua cut.

1. Apii Nicholls 2. Michaela Brake 3. Tysha Ikenasio 4. Emmanita Paki 5. Payton Takimoana 6. Patricia Maliepo 7. Emily Curtain 8. Harata Butler 9. Capri Paekau 10. Lavinia Kitai 11. Shakira Baker 12. Kaiyah Atai 13. Laishon Albert-Jones 14. Lydia Turua-quedley 15. Maarire Puketapu 16. Ashlee Matapo 17. Matekino Gray 18. Makayla Eli

Update: 20. Ivana Lauitiiti 23. Avery-Rose Carmont cut with Eli and Wetere retained.

Late mail: 1-17, Eli 18th player, 19. Tyra Wetere cut.

Referees: Mitchell Currie;Sideline Officials: Karra-Lee Nolan, Ethan Klein;Video Referees: Todd Smith;

Roosters v Warriors preview

Kelly Hollis

Everything old is new again as the Sydney Roosters welcome the returning New Zealand Warriors to Allianz Stadium for their first NRLW match since 2020.

This fixture reprises the very first game in NRLW history back in 2018, when a then-unfancied Warriors outfit stunned the Roosters 10-4. Now, five years later, the Roosters enter as reigning premiers, while the Warriors return to a vastly expanded competition with renewed purpose and a bold new roster.
The Roosters aim to build on their momentum from 2024, following a strong trial win over the Sharks. However, they'll need to do it without Golden Boot winner Tarryn Aiken, ruled out with a shoulder injury. NSW Blues stars Olivia Kernick, Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly and Keeley Davis form a potent spine and strikeforce, while Corban Baxter and Shawden Burton make their long-awaited returns from injury. Jasmine Strange will debut in the back row, while young guns Rima Butler and Macie Carlile will pull on the Tricolours for the first time.
The Warriors have assembled an exciting, if somewhat inexperienced, squad under highly respected coach Ronald Griffiths. While they'll be missing key forwards including Felila Kia and Lavinia Tauhalaliku, they've named a side packed with promise. Apii Nicholls returns to captain the team from fullback, and she'll be joined by newcomers Patricia Maliepo and Emily Curtain in the halves. Eyes will also be on Olympic gold medallist Michaela Brake and Kiwi Ferns veteran Harata Butler as the Warriors look to gel quickly and make an impression early.

Players To Watch: Centre Jess Sergis continues to be a strike weapon, scoring 10 tries in her last nine NRLW matches and combining beautifully with Isabelle Kelly. Captain and fullback Apii Nicholls provides the calm head and leadership needed for a fresh side. She's the only current squad member with prior Warriors experience and will be key at the back.

Tip: As much as a fairy tale return would be a great story for the Warriors, the reigning premiers are a settled and star-studded outfit. With Origin combinations, club experience and momentum on their side, expect the Roosters to dominate across the park. Roosters by 16.