The fifth instalment of NRLW is set to kick-off this week and it is primed to be the closest competition to date. In anticipation Mat Barnes offers a glimpse into why each club can claim Premiership glory and their key storyline you must follow…
The NRLW is a goldmine for untapped growth and potential with levels of skill and athleticism that continually surpasses the product delivered the year before. Each season the talent pool spreads and creates greater competition between those clubs vying for Premiership glory, with 2022 being no different. This season is the last time we’ll witness a six team league before it expands to ten in 2023, as standard and expectation continues to rise.
Brisbane Broncos
Why they can win it
The three-time NRLW Champions will have a point to prove following their shock loss in the semi-final last season. The departure of Millie Boyle, Tamika Upton and Lauren Brown leaves a gaping hole in their squad but they have placed confidence in their new recruits to fill the void. Young gun Jaime Chapman burst onto the scene for the Dragons last season and will wreak plenty of havoc at fullback running-off Ali Brigginshaw and Tarryn Aiken, while former Knights prop Annetta Nu’uausala and Eels hooker Nita Maynard will add plenty of punch through the middle. With NRLW legend Brigginshaw calling the shots at halfback and plenty of Premiership winners still by her side, they will strike fear in the hearts of many.
Storyline
Can the Broncos regain the mantle of best side in the competition? Once lost it can be difficult to recapture – especially in a league where the competition is catching up fast.
Gold Coast Titans
Why they can win it
The Titans surprised many in their inaugural NRLW season by finishing 3rd at the conclusion of the regular rounds, which included a landmark moment for the fledgling franchise when they defeated three-time champions Brisbane in Round 4. They now enter season two boasting the second most experienced squad in terms of total NRLW games, having added Kiwi Ferns representatives Apii Nicholls, Rona Peters and versatile Maroon Lauren Brown to their already competitive lineup – they are a genuine Premiership contender.
Storyline
After leading the NRL Integrity Unit for seven years Jillaroos and Queensland legend Karyn Murphy has decided to diversify her legacy by forging new ground as the first female coach of an Australian based NRLW side. The player of the match in the NRLW Grand Final is awarded a medal named in her honour and wouldn’t it be fitting if one of her own crop received this distinction on Grand Final day.
Newcastle Knights
Why they can win it
Leading into their second NRLW season the Knights have arguably recruited the strongest of any club. Dally M Medalist and New South Wales enforcer Millie Boyle joins the ranks along with fellow Blues stalwarts Hannah Southwell, Yasmin Clydesdale and Maroons fullback Tamika Upton. In addition to current Knights Kirra Dibb and Caitlan Johnston who were both influential in New South Wales’ Origin victory earlier this year they will formulate a formidable lineup rippling with Premiership-winning and representative experience. Newcastle should not only record their first NRLW win, but feature heavily in the finals.
Storyline
Caitlin Moran was once a star of Australian rugby league following her 2017 World Cup Final performance that yielded a try, three goals and the match-sealing field goal against New Zealand. She was one of five marquee signings in the inaugural NRLW season for eventual champions the Brisbane Broncos before an ACL injury suffered on the eve of the competition ruled her out for the season and resulted in a three-year hiatus from the game as her mental health seriously declined. Moran recently made a comeback to rugby league via the West Brisbane Panthers and is now back in her hometown where she learnt her trade as a youngster feeling refreshed and happy in her own skin. Moran will have to force her way into the Newcastle 17 but is determined to do so and fulfil her potential in the process.
Parramatta Eels
Why they can win it
Parramatta enter the 2022 NRLW season with the least experienced squad in the league and will need to overcome the absence of their entire spine that took them agonisingly close to a finals berth in their maiden crack in the competition. Despite these disadvantages the majority of their talented rookie class have played together in lower-level leagues and the Eels will be leaning on these developed combinations if they are to improve second time around.
Storyline
Brooke Walker has represented Australia in touch football and rugby 7’s before spending the past four seasons plying her trade for Carlton in the AFLW. She is an elite athlete with a skill-set unseen in the NRLW and will need a mammoth debut season at five-eighth if the Eels are to contend for the title.
St George Illawarra Dragons
Why they can win it
The Dragons entered last season’s Grand Final as rightful favourites before going missing when it mattered most. They have retained the majority of their squad that suffered the disappointing defeat – including their now representative spine – and you can guarantee there will be a dogged determination amongst the playing group to make amends. Led by their spiritual leader Kezie Apps who has now reached veteran status it would take a brave person to bet against them.
Storyline
The continued rise of Papua New Guinean front rower and national team captain Elsie Albert will make for captivating viewing in 2022. Albert was an intimidating presence in the middle for the Dragons last season and a huge reason for their success. If she can develop on the same trajectory as season’s past the Red V will continue to flourish as will the women’s game in her homeland where participation levels have tripled since her first appearance in the NRLW in 2020.
Sydney Roosters
Why they can win it
The Premiers retained the majority of their Grand Final winning squad and have every chance of defending whilst being led by the most experienced NRLW halves combination in Raecene McGregor and Zahara Temara. Their absolutely stacked backline possesses some of the greatest firepower in Australian women’s rugby league history with Jesscia Sergis, Isabelle Kelly and the returning Sammy Bremner set to run riot. If their forward pack can bend the defensive line and allow their backline the freedom to thrive they will be very hard to stop.
Storyline
Sammy Bremner has won two World Cups with the Jillaroos and tasted State of Origin success with New South Wales but the former Dragon has plenty of unfinished business in the NRLW. Bremner has hardly been sighted at this level in recent years due to injury and the birth of her two children but is set to light it up again as she returns to the top flight with the Roosters. At 30 years of age she has been dominating at a NSW Premiership level to the extent where she was named 18th player for the Blues earlier this year without playing an NRLW game in two years. If Bremner can recapture her best form she will be instrumental in her team’s success and a contender for individual honours to boot.
