Whether they're cross-coders looking to make a dent or emerging young guns who have earned contracts after stellar seasons so far, there's a wealth of new talent to watch out for in the NRLW.
With 36 players out of the 144 across all six squads in line for their NRLW debut this season, NRL.com profiles the fresh faces to watch out for.
Gayle Broughton (Eels)
Much has already been made about Broughton's arrival to the NRLW but let it be known once more, the 26-year-old brings with her plenty of rugby sevens success and is bound to make a heavy impact for the Eels this season.
The Olympic gold and silver medal winner is a rookie in another code for the first time since she represented New Zealand in sevens as a teenager. She's set to start at fullback after recently doing so for Mounties in the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership.
Jada Taylor (Roosters)
Taylor rose to fame with her stunning 109-metre try for the and player-of-the-match performance for the NSW under 19 side in June.
The emerging teenager from Tamworth is likely to play as a back-up to the likes of Sam Bremner and halves Zahara Temara and Raecene McGregor.
While Taylor has been left out of the Tricolours' round one side to play the Eels, the 19-year-old will inject plenty of excitement into the Roosters attack whether she's in the backline or halves when she makes her NRLW debut.
Taylor talks Roosters signing
Andie Robinson (Dragons)
Explosive young centre Andie Robinson made a name for herself when she scored a hat-trick in the Under 19’s Origin earlier this year.
A former Australian OzTag and NSW rugby sevens representative, Robinson will plenty of spark to the Dragons’ wing when she makes her debut at WIN Stadium on Sunday.
Sophie Holyman (Broncos)
The Broncos prop arrives to Red Hill after previously being courted by Knights star Millie Boyle to come across to league from rugby union, whom she will coincidently line up against on Sunday night.
The 25-year-old is set to become the first Tasmanian to play in the NRLW after growing up on a cattle farm before moving to the Gold Coast in 2013.
It was there she transitioned from AFL to rugby union, and will now play her first game of league at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Kalosipani Hopoate (Roosters)
Another barnstorming front rower, 18-year-old "Pani" Hopoate is another exciting rookie set to make her NRLW debut in Round 1 this weekend.
The daughter of John Hopoate comes with plenty of rugby league pedigree, she was a key figure in the Roosters' under 19’s Tarsha Gale Cup premiership triumph earlier this year.
Monalisa Soliola (Dragons)
After featuring in the NSW under 19s Origin and City sides this season, the explosive forward has capped an impressive first 12 months in the game as she turns to a maiden NRLW game on Sunday.
After starting pre-season training for the 2022 NRLW campaign before she even turned 18, Soliola will be expected to bring plenty of firepower off the bench for the Dragons.
Soliola is also a goal-kicker and one of 10 children in her family.
Jesse Southwell discusses process to join Knights
Jesse Southwell (Knights)
After being being granted an exemption by the NRL to make her NRL debut earlier than 18-years-old, Jesse Southwell looks will be the youngest NRLW player to take the field when she makes her debut at halfback on Sunday.
Coming off Commonwealth Games success with the Australian rugby sevens side, the young playmaker has had plenty of experience directing players around the park.
Brooke Walker (Eels)
AFLW convert Brooke Walker arrives to the NRLW after previously representing Victoria at the Harvey Norman National Championships, where she played at five-eighth.
The 27-year-old has history in rugby league after playing as a junior before switching to rugby sevens, where she played alongside the likes of Emma Tonegato and Tiana Penitani.
Walker's commitments will see her switch back to the AFLW for their second of the season later this year.
Cassie Staples (Dragons)
The final signing for the Red V was former Australian rugby sevens player Staples, who last represented the side in April, and she looks set to make her NRLW debut this season.
Although not picked in this weekend's clash against the Titans, Staples came off the bench for the Sharks in the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership in 2022 and will play a back-up role to the halves and Emma Tonegato.
Hailee-Jay Maunsell (Titans)
The talented teenager had only just turned 18 in February when she was thrown into the starting line-up for the Titans in round three earlier this year.
The New Zealand-born Invercargill product retained her spot for the next month after that, scoring two tries, making five line breaks and averaging 80 metres per game.
Losana Lutu (Eels)
The Wests Tigers local junior gets her opportunity at the Eels this season ahead of the joint venture's entry into the NRLW in 2023. Lutu is a promising half coming through the pathways and will get first crack at the Eels' No.7 jersey vacated by Maddie Studdon. A talented playmaker from Fiji, Lutu is mature beyond her years and recently starred for NSW in the under 19s Origin fixture.
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.
