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![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/81546104_nrlw-2026-season-launch_260629_gp_001804-copy_2026629102757.jpg\"\/)
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\n The game’s biggest stars launched the 2026 NRLW season by Sydney Harbour on Monday morning.
\n \u00a9NRL Photos
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We\u2019re coming for you.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the message from the NRLW clubs as they look to chase down competition heavyweights Brisbane and the Roosters.<\/p>\n
The two teams dominated last season before facing off in an epic grand final, with the Broncos ultimately prevailing after Mele Hufanga scored with five minutes remaining to end the Roosters\u2019 hopes of going back-to-back.<\/p>\n
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Roosters v Broncos – Grand Final, 2025<\/p>\n
There is an acknowledgement heading into 2027 that last year\u2019s grand finalists are again the teams to beat but Dragons captain Brooke Anderson said the gap is clearly closing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re the pinnacle of our game at the moment,\u201d Anderson said. \u201cThe important thing is we\u2019re bridging the gap between the best and the worst.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery team looks really happy this season and I\u2019m excited to see everyone goes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Knights captain Yasmin Meakes agrees the gap from top to bottom is closer than it\u2019s ever been.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe saw in the trials, the Warriors gave Brisbane a bit of a shake up, but they still look classy and the Roosters showed their depth in their squad with a lot of players not available,\u201d Meakes said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m excited to see how everyone shapes up. There\u2019s not much between the teams anymore, it will come down to whoever can perform on the day.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ninth NRLW season will kick off on Thursday night when the Sharks host the Knights at Ocean Protect Stadium.<\/p>\n
There have been plenty of changes across the league since last season, headlined by former Newcastle halfback Jesse Southwell\u2019s decision to join the Broncos.<\/p>\n
Brisbane have also gained Test front-rower Shannon Mato but have lost Hufanga and Gayle Broughton to the Warriors, while Keilee Joseph has moved to Parramatta.<\/p>\n
The Wests Tigers have added Shaylee Bent and Holli Wheeler, with Brooke Anderson moving from Cronulla to the Dragons.<\/p>\n
While plenty has changed in Brisbane throughout the past six months, the Broncos are embracing the pressure of defending their title.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really hard to get to the top and win a premiership, but it\u2019s another level trying to retain it and hold on to it,\u201d experienced forward Brianna Clark said. \u201cIt\u2019s a challenge we\u2019ve talked about and we\u2019re excited to face.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe team is different and it\u2019s definitely a different feel but it\u2019s exciting and we\u2019ve got some really good additions to the side.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s exciting to have teams chasing us, there\u2019s pressure for us to stay ahead and it\u2019s good for the competition. Pressure is a good thing, it keeps you accountable and you either crack under it or you thrive so hopefully we\u2019ll thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the Broncos and Roosters were the standout clubs in 2025, there were clear signs the gap is closing.<\/p>\n
The Sharks came within a point of upsetting John Strange\u2019s side in a thrilling preliminary final and had a chance to win it in the final play before the Roosters made a desperate try-saving tackle.<\/p>\n
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A frantic finish to an incredible game!<\/p>\n
The Knights have lost Southwell but they\u2019ve added representative half Kirra Dibb and continue to rebuild around a talented crop of emerging juniors.<\/p>\n
The Titans have been a perennial contender for the past few years and have added rugby sevens star Teagan Levi and emerging centre Indie Bostock to their squad this season. \u00a0<\/p>\n
North Queensland took a big step forward in 2025 and secured a home semi-final for the first time, ultimately going down to Cronulla in a hard-fought contest.<\/p>\n
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\n The game’s biggest stars launched the 2026 NRLW season by Sydney Harbour on Monday morning.
\n \u00a9NRL Photos
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The Cowboys open their season against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night and forward Bree Chester said it\u2019s a great opportunity to showcase their title credentials.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re lucky to play the Broncos in Round 1 this week, it\u2019ll be a good test to see where we are against them,\u201d Chester said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am confident we are closing that gap. Our team has worked really hard in the pre-season, we\u2019re looking really good at training so I\u2019m excited to go against them and put it together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Like the Broncos, the Roosters enter the season knowing they have a host of rivals nipping at their heels.<\/p>\n
Captain Isabelle Kelly is pleased with where her team sits leading into Round 1 but recognises they can\u2019t rely on last year if they want to return to the grand final.<\/p>\n
\u201cThings are going to be a bit different this year,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got some new players coming in, a few things have changed with how we play.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve tinkered a few things but it\u2019s been positive. We\u2019re working on things we know we can be better and individually working to be better. Working on those combinations, the little areas you can do to help the team.\u201d<\/p>\n