From star outside backs to dominant halves or big-name forwards, landing a star inaugural signing is crucial when starting up a new NRLW franchise.
With confirmation that four more teams - North Queensland, Cronulla, Canberra and Wests Tigers will enter the competition in 2023, recruitment and retention in the NRLW will go to another level.
NRL.com asks our NRLW stars some big-hitting questions each week throughout the 2022 season.
If you're starting up an NRLW franchise, who would be the first player you’d target and why?
Broncos captain Ali Brigginshaw: I’ll say Julia Robinson. She’s your go-to girl. She epitomizes an athlete, her discipline on and off the field and her personality. She’s an all-rounder and one of the best in the game.
Eels co-captain Tiana Penitani: It depends if you wanted a fullback or forward to start. I’ll probably go Millie Boyle. She just carries a team through the middle of the field and is a great person off it as well.
Knights five-eighth Kirra Dibb: Currently I’d go with Emma Tonegato. I would build on her professionalism and experience across multiple codes. She’s also just a wonderful human so I think that would be a strong choice. I hadn’t had much to do with her until Origin this year and she was just on another level.
NRLW question time: When did you know you wanted to play footy?
Roosters captain Isabelle Kelly: Only because I’ve seen how she’s trained this year and she’s been absolutely killing it but Raecene McGregor for me. We’ve only started playing together the last two seasons but I really think this is her time to make the next step as one of the best halfbacks in the game.
Titans prop Jess Elliston: I want to say a halfback but being in the middle I love working with Georgia Hale. We pump each other up on the field and do everything together like gym and extra training off it. She’s obviously had a great career so far and is a very influential person in the group.
Broncos prop Chelsea Lenarduzzi: Tarryn Aiken! We have only seen a fraction of what Taz is capable of. She gets better every game and training session I see. I think she has a certain un-teachable x-factor whilst also being a really hard worker on all crafts. She is also developing really fast in game management and directing players around her.
Roosters forward Sarah Togatuki: I have to go with Isabelle Kelly. We’ve seen what she's done for NSW and in every game she just takes herself to the next level. She’s well-respected and very humble. I certainly think you can build a team around her. She could also cover nearly every position, I’d even back her to play middle if she had to.
NRLW question time: Who will win the Dally M?
Titans centre Evania Pelite: I’d recruit Karina Brown. She’s all about the growth of the game and leadership. She’s been part of so many foundation clubs already and look at what she’s done for them. I was with her at the Warriors and the impact she had there too was great.
Knights co-captain Millie Boyle: My first player picked would be Tamika Upton, and no, we’re not a package deal. I just think because it’s so important to have a player in a specialist position and she is so good at what she does. You definitely can build a team around her.
Dragons captain Kezie Apps: She would want me to say her so I’ll say Jess Sergis. She brings a lot of energy and presence to a team and as a forward we love her carries especially out of our end to get us out of trouble.
Witness all six NRLW teams competing on the same day, at the same stadium, with a triple header blockbuster at Central Coast Stadium on September 18. Family tickets start from only $20. Adult’s from just $5 and kids FREE with a paying adult. Secure your seats at NRL.com/tickets.