Teenage playmaker Kasey Reh will remain at the Dragons until at least the end of the 2027 season after agreeing to a contract extension with her junior club.
Since debuting for the Dragons in Round 1, 2024, Reh has played 19 NRLW matches for St George Illawarra and is a two-time NSW Under 19s and Australian Prime Minister’s XIII representative.
She was also a member of this season’s NSW Origin train-on squad.
Reh captained Illawarra’s 2024 Tarsha Gale Cup outfit to a Grand Final win in April, taking out the competition’s Player of the Series Award in the process.
This season she scored two NRLW tries, including a match-winner against Canterbury in Round 3.
“We’re really happy to have locked Kasey in until the end of 2027,” Head Coach Nathan Cross said.
“She will play a really important role at our club over the coming years. She’s another one of our crop of local juniors and is a real student of the game.
“She’s a dedicated trainer and is really committed to learning her craft and putting in the work. I can’t wait to see her continue to improve and leave a real mark on this competition.”
Fiji captain Cassie Staples will remain an integral piece in Cronulla’s premiership puzzle next season with the outstanding winger inking a new one-year deal.
Staples has notched up 30 matches for the Sharks since 2023 as a foundation member of the team, becoming a consistent force on the flank.
The 32-year-old is motivated by the pursuit of a title, having come agonisingly close to glory in the 2024 grand final.
“I don’t take it lightly – I’m honoured to continue my journey at the Sharks and keep building towards something special with this team,” Staples said.
“The camaraderie within the group is so strong. Our connection to each other on and off the field is second to none, and I think that’s something that forms every time pre-season comes around. We’ve got a really good group of people.
“We’ve come so close over the past two years, but I feel like that premiership ring is truly within our reach in 2026.”
Sharks coach Tony Herman described Staples as a consummate professional, with her leadership and experience crucial to the team’s success moving forward.
“Cassie is one of the most reliable finishers in the game and a great teammate; someone who is always striving to improve,” Herman said.
“She’s been a core member of our squad from the outset and we’re pleased she’ll continue her outstanding journey with the Sharks into next year.”
Staples and Herman teamed up to create history last month by securing Fiji’s place in the 2026 women’s World Cup with qualifying wins over Canada and Nigeria.
The skipper scored four tries in a thumping win over Nigeria in Brampton, Ontario to seal the berth, while Herman offered his expertise as part of Joe Dakuitoga’s coaching staff.
“That was something really special for me, our nation and the people of Fiji,” said Staples, whose performance have earned an IRL Golden Boot nomination.
The Sharks have also announced the signing of Tonga and Queensland representative China Polata on a two-year deal from 2026.
Polata has played 18 NRLW games since making her debut for the Broncos in 2022 and has spent the past three seasons with the Cowboys.
Meanwhile, Samoa international Taliah Fuimaono will return to the Dragons on a two-year deal, while Queensland Under 19s back Montoya Hudson joins the club’s crop of emerging stars.
The deal will see 26-year-old Fuimaono join the club she debuted at until at least the end of the 2027 NRLW season.
Fuimaono made her NRLW debut for the Dragons in 2021 and started at five-eighth in every match of the side’s run towards the grand final before another strong season in 2022 earned her a World Cup call up for the Jillaroos.
The 26-year-old played State of Origin for NSW the following year after moving to the Gold Coast.
She returns to St George Illawarra boasting a résumé consisting of 29 NRLW appearances, six Tests, five Origin caps and four Indigenous All-Stars selections.
The Dragons have signed Hudson on a two-year deal after the he outside back progressed through the Broncos pathway and was a member of the club’s top squad in 2025. The teenager previously starred for the Queensland Under 19s team.
Elsewhere, Wests Tigers have announced the re-signing of Emily Bass and Portia Bourke.
Queensland Maroons representative Bass has signed on for 2026 and 2027, while Bourke has signed a one-year extension.
This comes after the recruitment of Raecene McGregor from the Dragons to lead a new era for the club’s NRLW side under coach Craig Sandercock.
A three-time NRLW premiership winner, McGregor has also made 14 appearances for the Kiwi Ferns and shapes as a crucial member of their upcoming Pacific Championships campaign.
The halfback is also a Dally M and Golden Boot winner.
“Raecene brings so much quality and experience, she will be a huge asset for us both on and off the field,” Sandercock said.
“We identified Raecene as someone who could add another dimension to our squad, with the ability to get the most out of the players around her. I’m looking forward to working with her and seeing the contribution she can make to our program.
“She’s the current Kiwi Ferns captain for a reason and it illustrates her standing in the women’s game, we’re really pleased to welcome a player of Raecene’s calibre to the club.”
The club has also extended the time of young rookie fullback Caitlin Turnbull on a four-year deal, keeping the up-and-coming fullback at the club until the end of the 2029 NRLW season.
Titans young gun Ivana Lolesio has capped a sensational season by inking an extension through to the end of 2027.
The 21-year-old missed the 2024 season with a knee injury and fought her way back to make her NRLW debut in Round 1, 2025 against the Cowboys.
She played every game and was crowned the Titans’ NRLW rookie of the year.
The Eels have re-signed powerhouse PNG prop Elsie Albert to a two-year extension through to the end of the 2027 season.
T
he Knights have moved quickly to replace departing halfback Jesse Southwell, snapping up former Cowboy Kirra Dibb on a three-year deal.
Southwell announced earlier this month that she will be joining the Broncos from 2026, leaving Newcastle desperate to secure a high-quality replacement.
In Dibb, they have found a NSW and Australian representative and a member of the Knights’ NRLW premiership-winning team in 2022.
“Having won a premiership previously with the club and being from the Central Coast, we are thrilled to welcome Kirra back to the Knights,” Newcastle coach Ben Jeffries said.
“Kirra comes back with a wealth of knowledge, having represented her Country, State and Indigenous heritage, along with game management and kicking expertise, making her a complete package.”
Multiple gold medal-winning Black Ferns rugby union star Stacey Waaka is returning to the NRLW on a two-year contract with the Warriors from next season.
Waaka was a star for the Broncos in her first season of rugby league in 2024, before returning to rugby union this past year.
“Stacey is an experienced world-class athlete and during her time in rugby league it was evident for all to see how easily she adapted to the game,” Warriors coach Ron Griffiths said.
Meanwhile, Brisbane’s quest to defend their NRLW premiership has received a major boost with a pair of key forwards inking extensions to remain at the club.
Samoan duo Shalom Sauaso and Destiny Brill have each signed two-year extensions that take them through to the end of the 2027 season.
Sauaso scored a key try in the grand final and was named Dally M Rookie of the Year, while Brill has already played 41 NRLW games at just 22 years old.
The contracts come on the back of the announcement that Jesse Southwell and Lillian Yarrow will join the club in 2026. Yarrow played all 12 games for the Cowboys in 2025, and represented the PM’s XIII in PNG.
The premiers have also locked in two key members of their forward pack with Brianna Clark and Bree Spreadborough inking new deals through to the end of 2027.
Southwell’s arrival offsets the loss of Gayle Broughton, who will move to the Warriors next year.
The 20-year-old is a two-time premiership winner and led the Blues to this year’s State of Origin triumph. She partner with Australian co-captain Ali Brigginshaw in the recent Pacific Championships.
“With the departure of Gayle Broughton and our inspirational co-captain Ali Brigginshaw coming towards the back end of her career, it was critical as a club that we started to plan for the future,” Broncos NRLW boss Paul Dyer said.
“The signing of Jesse cannot be understated, as we are not just investing in one of the game’s premier young playmakers, we are investing in the future of our NRLW program at the club.
“Her vision, leadership, and natural playmaking ability, coupled with the opportunity to develop under Scott Prince, is a really exciting prospect.”
Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala has become the third Broncos grand final winner to sign with the Warriors for 2026 and beyond.
The dominant forward has inked a three-year deal with the New Zealand-based club, joining Brisbane teammates Mele Hufanga and Broughton in moving back across the Tasman.
Nu’uausala has committed to a three-year deal and will remain at the club until the end of the 2028 campaign.
Broncos and Jillaroos forward Keilee Joseph has also signed with Parramatta.
The Warriors announced that Hufanga would return home to New Zealand next season after signing for two years, with a mutual option for a third season in 2028.
“It’s really special heading back home next year to the Warriors,” she said. “And even better I get to be with my family.”
Broughton, the multiple Black Ferns rugby union sevens title winner, has also signed a two-year deal to the end of the 2027 season with the Warriors.
The star playmaker told NRL.com before the grand final that a key factor in her decision to sign with the Warriors was the desire for her and partner Tahlia Lawrence to be closer to family with their young son Eastyn.
“I’ll do anything for my son. I’d move heaven and earth for him,” she said. “If that means moving back home to make sure that we’ve got more support, then I’ll jump on the first plane there. I’m excited to get back to New Zealand.”
Cook Islands international Lavinia Kitai has agreed to a three-year deal with St George Illawarra Dragons.
Former Tigers back Montana Clifford will join Kitai at the Dragons after signing a three-year deal with the club.
The Dragons have also locked down Ahlivia Ingram, Sara Sautia and Bronte Wilson with contract extensions.
Ingram and Sautia have each signed one-year extensions, while Wilson has inked a two-year deal that takes her through to 2027.
The Cowboys have announced Krystal Blackwell and development players Autumn-Rain Stephens Daly and Caitlin Tanner will be departing the club.
Elsewhere, exciting Warriors rookie Patricia Maliepo has become the fifth player from the club’s 2025 roster to extend her contract to the 2026 NRLW season and possibly beyond.
Originally contracted for only this year, the 22-year-old former Black Fern has been signed for next season with an option for 2027.
Her retention follows contract extensions for four fellow NRLW debutantes, all coming out of grass roots rugby league in New Zealand.
Second rower Kaiyah Atai was secured in mid-August while new deals have been announced over the past two days for props Ivana Lauitiiti and Metanoia Fotu-Moala plus back rower Maarire Puketapu.
Fellow Warriors newcomers Tyra Wetere and Felila Kia have been signed by Les Catalans for an offseason stint in the French domestic competition. Both players will return in April in time for preseason training in May.
The Titans have locked down boom rookie Phoenix-Raine Hippi on a two-year contract extension. Exciting backs Georgia Grey and Lailani Montgomery have re-signed for the 2026 season.
The Titans also announced the departure of Jillaroos star Shannon Mato on compassionate grounds. The prop was signed until the end of 2027 but has been granted an early release after a change to personal circumstances. Mato missed the 2025 season after announcing her pregnancy earlier this year.
Jillaroos hooker Olivia Higgins, Kiwi Ferns forward Tiana Davison and local junior Jules Kirkpatrick will remain with the Knights. Higgins activated a mutual option for 2026, while both Davison and Kirkpatrick have extended until at least the end of 2027.
Dally M Medallist Olivia Kernick is the latest Sydney Roosters star to re-sign after committing to the 2024 NRLW premiers for another two years.
The Roosters also re-signed star forward Amber Hall for the 2026 season
Rising Roosters prop Aliyah Nasio, Fijian winger Taina Naividi and forward Macie Carlile will remain with the club for another two seasons.
Broncos centre Shenae Ciesiolka has signed a two-year extension through to the end of the 2027 season.
Teen sensation Indie Bostock has signed a contract extension with the Dragons until the end of the 2027 NRLW season, while promising forward Madi Mulhall has also inked a two-year extension.
Logan Fletcher has become the first player to progress through the Roosters female pathway to the club’s top squad after signing a contract upgrade.
The Eels have re-signed NSW Origin fullback Abbi Church, Tongan playmaker Cassey Tohi-Hiku (both 2028), emerging forward Tess McWilliams (2027), Samoan international Lindsay Tui (2027), Bree Eales (2026) and youngster Fontayne Tufuga (2028). Elsewhere, the Eels have announced the re-signing of Lindsay Tui through to the end of the 2027 season and until the end of 2026.
Parramatta have also announced the departure of 10 players from their squad. Kiana Takairangi, Chelsea Makira, Yasmine Baker, Jessica Kennedy, Mia Middleton, Paige Travis, Tyla Amiatu, Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis, Madeline Jones and Rysh’e Fa’amausili have all left the club.
Official 2025 Squad Lists
Your club’s NRLW contract list:
Broncos | Raiders | Bulldogs | Sharks
Titans | Knights | Cowboys | Eels
Dragons | Roosters | Warriors | Wests Tigers
Development List
2025 gains: Tamika Upton (Knights), Tara McGrath-West (Dragons), Azalleyah Maaka (rugby union), Kerri Johnson (rugby union)
2025 losses: Mariah Denman (retired), Jasmine Fogavini (Titans), Tazmin Rapana (retirement)
2026 gains: Jesse Southwell (Knights), Lillian Yarrow (Cowboys)
2026 losses: Gayle Broughton (Warriors), Keilee Joseph (Eels). Mele Hufanga (Warriors), Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala (Warriors), Montaya Hudson (Dragons), Lavinia Gould, Shaylee Joseph.
Development List
2025 gains: Leianne Tufuga (Wests Tigers), Chloe Saunders (Sharks), Georgia Thomas (St George Dragons), Jordyn Preston (Dragons), Isabella Waterman (Knights), Lili Boyle (Sea Eagles Harvey Norman)
2025 losses: Ashleigh Quinlan (Bulldogs), Apii Nicholls (Warriors), Shakiah Tungai (personal reasons), Tommaya Kelly-Sines (Sharks)
2025 gains: Tayla Preston (Sharks), Ashleigh Quinlan (Raiders), Ebony Prior (Wests Tigers), Andie Robinson (Sharks), Holli Wheeler (Sharks), Kalosipani Hopoate (Roosters), Tegan Dymock (Sharks), Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa (Dragons), Alexis Tauaneai (Dragons), Maatuleio Fotu-Moala (Dragons), Sarahcen Oliver (Bulldogs Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership), Hope Millard (Illawarra Steelers), Elizabeth MacGregor (NSWCC Schoolgirls), Bridget Hoy (Broncos), Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau (Bulldogs Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership), Shaniece Monschau (Bulldogs Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership), Leilani Wilson (Bulldogs Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership), Anneka Wilson (Bulldogs Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership), Moana Courtenay (rugby union), Vani Buleki (Western Force rugby), Monica Tagoai (NZ rugby union), Adi Buleki (Sevens rugby), Latisha Smythe (Bulldogs Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership)
Development List
Development List
2025 gains: Caitlan Johnston-Green (Knights), Jaydika Tafua (development squad), Jacinta Carter (Knights), Chantay Kiria-Ratu (Titans), Tyla King (Dragons), Tommaya Kelly-Sines (Raiders)
2025 losses: Holli Wheeler (Bulldogs), Tayla Preston (Bulldogs), Andie Robinson (Bulldogs), Tegan Dymock (Bulldogs), Chloe Saunders (Raiders), Sharni Smale, Pia Tapsell (Dragons), Vanessa Foliaki (retired)
2026 gains: China Polata (Cowboys)
2026 losses: Brooke Anderson (Dragons)
Development List
2025 gains: Jasmine Fogavini (Broncos), Pauline Piliae-Rasabale (Wests Tigers) Takoda Thompson (development list), Jayda Lofipo (Wynnum Manly), Natasha Penitani (Wests Tigers), Kelsey Parkin (Easts Tigers), Jasmin Morrisey (Tweed Seagulls).
2025 losses: Karina Brown (retired), Matekino Gray (Warriors), Chantay Kiria-Ratu (Sharks), Rilee Jorgensen (medically ruled out), Evania Isa’ako (nee Pelite) – (pregnancy), Shannon Mato (pregnancy), Emily Bass (Wests Tigers)
2026 losses: Shannon Mato (released), Taliah Fuimaono (Dragons).
Development List
2025 gains: Botille Vette-Welsh (Wests Tigers), Tiana Davison (Roosters), Tess Staines, Sienna Yeo, Keighley Simpson, Joeli Morris
2025 losses: Caitlan Johnston-Green (Sharks), Laishon Albert-Jones (Warriors), Rima Butler (Roosters), Tamika Upton (Broncos), Abigail Roache (Cowboys), Jacinta Carter (Sharks), Hannah Southwell (Dragons), Nita Maynard (Dragons).
2026 gains: Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa, Kirra Dibb (Cowboys)
2026 losses: Jesse Southwell (Broncos)
Development List
2025 gains: Abigail Roache (Knights), Najvada George (Wests Tigers), Lily Dick (Australian Rugby 7s), Rosie Kelly (Eels)
2025 losses: Harata Butler (Warriors), Lavinia Tauhalaliku (Warriors), Shellie Long (released), Sareka Mooka (released) Shaniah Power (released), Jazmon Tupou-Witchman (released), Jetaya Faifua (released), Vitalina Naikore (released).
2026 losses: Lillian Yarrow (Broncos), Krystal Blackwell (released), Caitlin Tanner (released), Kirra Dibb (Knights), China Polata (Sharks)
Development List
2025 gains: Martha Mataele (Super Rugby), Paige Travis (St Helens), Fleur Ginn (Brisbane Tigers), Fontayne Tufuga (Wests Tigers)
2025 losses: Rosie Kelly (Cowboys), Pihuka Berryman-Duff (Wests Tigers), Madeline Jones (pregnancy)
2026 gains: Keilee Joseph (Broncos)
2026 losses: Kiana Takairangi, Chelsea Makira, Yasmine Baker, Jessica Kennedy, Mia Middleton, Paige Travis, Tyla Amiatu, Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis, Madeline Jones, Rysh’e Fa’amausili
Development List
2025 gains: Hannah Southwell (Knights), Nita Maynard (Knights), Grace Hamilton (rugby union), Ahlivia Ingram, Pia Tapsell (Western Force Super W rugby), Jayme Millard (Sharks Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership), Tyra Ekepati (Roosters)
2025 losses: Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa (Bulldogs), Alexis Tauaneai (Bulldogs), Maatuleio Fotu-Moala (Bulldogs), Tara McGrath-West (Broncos), Tyla King (Sharks), Steph Hancock (released), Kimberley Hunt (released), Kaarla Cowan (released), Tayla Curtis (released)
2026 gains: Brooke Anderson (Sharks), Lavinia Kitai (Warriors), Montana Clifford (Wests Tigers), Montaya Hudson (Broncos), Taliah Fuimaono (Titans)
2026 losses: Raecene McGregor (Wests Tigers)
Development List
2025 gains: Rima Butler (Knights), Macie Carlile (Bulldogs Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership), Jayde Herdegen (Knights), Logan Fletcher (Central Coast Roosters Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership)
2025 losses: Sam Bremner (retired), Kalosipani Hopoate (Bulldogs), Tiana Davison (Knights), Millie Elliott (pregnancy), Mya Hill-Moana (Warriors), Tyra Le Ekepati (Dragons)
Development List
2025 gains: Emmanita Paki (Knights), Lavinia Tauhalaliku (Cowboys), Matekino Gray (Titans), Laishon Albert-Jones (Knights), Apii Nicholls (Raiders), Mya Hill-Moana (Roosters), Harata Butler (Cowboys), Capri Paekau (Eels), Metanoia Fotu-Moala, Tyra Wetere (rugby union), Lavinia Tauhalaliku (Cowboys), Michaela Blyde (NZ rugby), Tysha Ikenasio (NZ rugby), Payton Takimoana (NZ rugby), Kalyn Takitimu-Cook (NZ rugby), Makayla Eli (Manly Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership), Kaiyah Atai, Felila Kia, Lavinia Kitai, Maarire Puketapu, Lydia Turua-Quedley, Emily Curtain (Wests Tigers), Avery-Rose Carmont (Ōtāhuhu Leopards), Paris Pickering (Norths Devils)
2026 losses: Avery-Rose Carmont (released), Emily Curtain (released), Makayla Eli (released), Lavinia Kitai (released), Kalyn Takitimu-Cook (released), Lydia Turua-Quedley (released), Paris Pickering (released), Sharnyze Pihema (released)
2026 gains: Gayle Broughton (Broncos), Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala (Broncos), Mele Hufanga (Broncos), Stacey Waaka (rugby union)
2026 losses: Lavinia Kitai (Dragons)
Development List
2025 losses: Ebony Prior (Bulldogs), Bo Vette-Welsh (Knights), Leianne Tufuga (Raiders), Najvada George (Cowboys), Emily Curtain (Warriors), Pauline Piliae-Rasabale (Titans), Natasha Penitani (Titans), Rikeya Horne (pregnancy), Fontayne Tufuga (Eels).
2025 gains: Jetaya Faifua (Cowboys), Jade Fonua (Eels), Faythe Manera (Super Rugby), Lily Rogan (Steelers Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership), Caitlin Turnbull (Wentworthville Magpies Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership), Patricia Maliepo (rugby union), Pihuka Berryman-Duff (Eels), Emily Bass (Titans), Terina Te Tamaki (rugby sevens), Portia Bourke (Norths Devils), Ruby Fifita (Tweed Seagulls).
2026 gains: Raecene McGregor (Dragons)
2026 losses: Tallara Bamblett (released), Claudia Brown (released), Aaliyah Bula (released), Montana Clifford (Dragons), Iemaima Etuale (released), Amelia Huakau (released), Tiresa Leasuasu (released), Salma Nour (released), Evie McGrath (released), Claudia Nielsen (released), Rebecca Pollard (released), Jessikah Reeves (released), Chelsea Savill (released), Tiana-Lee Thorne (released)