The Sydney Roosters have added motivation in their premiership push this season after stalwart NRLW players Corban Baxter and Millie Elliott announced they will retire from professional rugby league at the end of 2026.
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The Roosters confirmed the news in a statement on Wednesday, with Baxter finishing up after six seasons with the Tricolours while Elliott joined the Roosters in 2023.
Baxter captained the Roosters to their maiden NRLW premiership and will retire a highly decorated representative player, having suited up for New South Wales, the Australian Jillaroos and Māori All Stars.
Elliott, meanwhile, arrived at the Roosters as an already established superstar in the game having won three premierships before adding a fourth in 2024 after making the move to the Eastern Suburbs.
Like Baxter, Elliott’s success at clubland also translated to the representative arena where she played for New South Wales and Australia.
Corban Baxter was overcome by emotion.Source: FOX SPORTS
“Being a Rooster since the first NRLW season in 2018 is something I’m incredibly proud of. I’ve grown so much during my time here, both as a player and as a person, and this club and the people in it have become like family to me,” said Baxter.
“To have been here from the beginning and to see how much the women’s game and our program have grown has been really special. There have been so many great moments along the way, and the friendships I’ve made mean so much to me. Captaining the club to its first NRLW premiership is something I’ll always cherish.
“I’m incredibly grateful to all of my coaches over the years, especially Strangey, who has helped me grow so much both on and off the field and supported me throughout my career, including my return to playing after having my son. I’d also like to thank Nick Politis for his support and the passion he has always shown for our women’s program.”
“Can see how special she is to the game” | 00:32
Baxter went on to also credit the Sharks for giving her the chance to start her rugby league journey along with her family, including husband Matt, for their support through her career.
It was at the point that Baxter mentioned her family in Wednesday’s press conference that she got visibly emotional.
“Family means a lot,” she said.
“Every time I talk about them I get emotional. So sorry about that. He’s (Matt) just been my rock as have my two sons, Carter and Beaudy.
“Carter’s been there from the very start and we’ve sort of grown up together. We’ve been able to experience the highs and lows of rugby league and it’s been really special, and then Beaudy sort of came along a little bit later.
“Having him be able to come into camps and Strangey has been a massive part of welcoming (me) back after having him in the middle of my career and making sure I still get to play the sport I love.
“So thank you to my family, my parents Gina and Mike who I literally couldn’t do any of this without… I absolutely love being part of the Roosters.”
Elliott, meanwhile, returned this year after taking a year off the sport to give birth to her baby, Gigi, and has immediately stepped in to recapture the scintillating form that makes her one of the forwards in the NRLW.
Millie Elliott also announced her retirement.Source: FOX SPORTS
“Rugby League has given me so much. I’ve been fortunate to play alongside some incredible people, represent at the highest level and experience things through the game that I’ll always be grateful for,” said Elliott.
“Coming back to play this season after becoming a mum was something that meant a lot to me. I wanted to challenge myself to get back out there and contribute to this team, and I’m really proud that I’ve been able to do that.
“… I’m at peace with the decision and excited about what comes next, but right now my focus is on enjoying the remainder of the season and hopefully finishing my career in the best possible way with this group,” she later added.
A touching moment for the pair.Source: FOX SPORTS
Roosters NRLW Head Coach John Strange, meanwhile, credited Elliott and Baxter for making equally selfless and brave calls to hang up the boots considering both are “at the top of their game”.
“They’re both playing great footy. So I think that’s probably the hardest thing that I could see for both Corbs and Millie is they’re at the top of their game,” Strange said.
“So the decision they’ve made is purely for other people. Obviously, they’ve spoken about their kids and their support network that they’ve got and that they’ve been leaning on for quite a number of years, so they’re putting them first and making sure that they’re there for their family which is really special, especially because they are at the top of their game at the moment and could continue to play on.”