The biggest movements set to light up the NRLW in 2022

They stood out for their former clubs during the 2021 season and are on the move four months later to make an immediate impact for their new sides in 2022.

NRL.com take a look at the biggest player movements in the NRLW ahead of Saturday's season opener at CommBank Stadium.

Millie Boyle (Knights)

One of the biggest signings pulled off by the Knights in their extensive recruitment drive, Boyle arrives at the club coming off a stellar season at the Broncos which saw her go on to be joint Dally M winner alongside Emma Tonegato in April. Boyle averaged 198 running metres per game and overall totalled three tries, 14 tackle busts and two offloads. 

Lauren Brown (Titans)

Gold Coast local Lauren Brown has settled into familiar surroundings since announcing her move away from the Broncos for the upcoming season. The 27-year-old's versatility is her biggest strength but she is eager to settle on a halves position at her new club. Brown spent most of her time during the 2021 NRLW season at hooker, where she came up with five try assists, six line break assists and four forced drop outs. She also wasn't afraid of running the ball, averaging 65 running metres per game. 

Jaime Chapman (Broncos)

The Broncos may have lost three of their star players in quick succession over the off-season but they gained a few solid signings back including former Dragons star Chapman. The Indigenous All Stars representative is likely to fill the void left by Tamika Upton at fullback and is threatening every time she carries the ball. Chapman made 23 tackle busts in six appearances last season while scoring three tries.

Tamika Upton (Knights)

Upton arrives at the Knights looking to break out of her comfort zone and improve her own game after starring for the Broncos in recent seasons. The 25-year-old's 2021 season was slightly disrupted with a bout of COVID-19 midway through the side's campaign restricting her to just four matches. However, she still accumulated a try, three try assists, four line breaks and 21 tackle busts in those four matches, proving to be one of the more dangerous players in the competition.

Destiny Brill (Roosters)

A surprising but astute signing for the defending premiers with former Titans young gun Brill on the move south after one season on the Gold Coast. Brill played as a back-up hooker in her maiden NRLW campaign while she also covered a lock role. Brill produced some of the best work rate numbers in the game with 35 tackle busts, seven offloads and 173 tackles (95% efficiency) in her six appearances. With the lock position wide open at the Tricolours, Brill can make it her own.

Annetta Nu'uausala (Broncos)

Another low-key but strong signing for the Broncos after the loss of Millie Boyle to Newcastle, former Knight Nu'uausala is going the other direction to link up with the three-time champions. Nu'uausala was the shining light out of Newcastle's winless inaugural campaign, taking home the club's player of the season award. The Kiwi Fern arrives to Red Hill after averaging 91 metres per game and totalling a try, 14 tackle busts and five offloads in five matches last season.

Hannah Southwell (Knights)

Local Newcastle product Southwell returns home to the Hunter after stints at the Dragons and Roosters over the past four years and with younger sister Jesse also a confirmed signing it will be a big moment for the Southwell family. Hannah arrives at the Knights coming off a premiership-winning Roosters season that included 142 tackles, 13 tackle busts, 253.9 post-contact metres and 87 running metres per game.

Shaniah Power (Roosters)

She lit up Cbus Super Stadium with one of the tries of the 2021 season and now Power is looking to do so in different colours after confirming her defection south to join the defending champions. Power is chasing a starting back-row spot, something that wasn't guaranteed at the Titans but should be available at the Roosters following the departure of Yasmin Clydsdale to Newcastle. Power's one game starting in the back-row in the 2021 season ended with a try, 137 running metres, six tackle busts and an offload against the Broncos.

Madison Bartlett (Titans)

The NRLW's all-time leading try-scorer joins her third club in five seasons with Kiwi international Bartlett looking to continue her form for the Gold Coast. Bartlett crossed for six tries in six appearances for the Dragons last season while she averaged 79 running metres per outing. She will need good service from the players next to her in 2022 to remain on top of the try-scorer's list.

Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights)

Scone local Clydsdale joins the Knights after playing for the Roosters the past two seasons. Clydsdale, the wife of former Knights player Adam Clydsdale, finished her time at the Tricolours with a premiership win. The utility, capable of playing in the backline or second row, averaged 109 running metres per game last season while she scored a try, made two line breaks and 160 tackles overall.

The opening round of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership kicks off this Saturday, August 20. Real hits. Real highlights. Unreal action. Secure your seats at NRL.com/tickets