GOOD NEWS: Eels sign New Zealand rugby talent

For the NRLW season this year, Parramatta has signed rugby representative Rosie Kelly of New Zealand to a one-year contract.

The playmaker, who has represented the Black Ferns in two games, returns to the Eels after New Zealand’s pre-Olympic training camp in France.

Kelly remarked, “I look forward to getting to know the girls and I think playing in the NRLW is an exciting challenge in my career.”

“There’s a couple of players in the Eels NRLW who I know from international rugby, and I hope to help our debutants and young Harvey Norman pathway players to achieve their goals.”

The Sharks have extended Kiwi star Annessa Biddle on a new two-year contract to remain at the club until at least the end of 2027.

The 2023 NRLW Dally M Rookie of the Year burst onto the scene last season, scoring two tries across eight matches for the Sharks before earning her maiden New Zealand cap in October.

“Annessa was outstanding last season and, scarily, is only going to get better with more experience,” coach Tony Herman said.

“Not only is she naturally gifted, but Annessa also works extremely hard and is a pleasure to coach. She will be a pillar of our team for years to come.”

The news comes after former Jillaroos and New South Wales representative Nakia Davis-Welsh has earned an NRLW contract with the Sharks for the upcoming season while Talei Holmes re-signed until the end of 2026.

American recruit Liz Tafuna has been released by Sydney Roosters on medical grounds ahead of the upcoming NRLW season.

Tafuna, who has represented the USA in rugby sevens, arrived in Australia earlier this month for pre-season training after becoming the first North American player signed on an NRLW contract.

However, after undergoing a series of medical tests a health condition was detected which would impact on her preparation to play in the NRLW this season.

Despite being too unwell to complete the testing at the combine, a number of clubs expressed interest in Tafuna and Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said he hoped she would get another opportunity in the NRLW.

“It’s really unfortunate for Liz and the club but her health is our first priority,” Kelly said. “Hopefully she can resolve her health issues and we will see her back out here in the future.”

Tafuna’s departure leaves the Roosters with a position to fill in their NRLW squad and the club will sign another player in coming weeks.

The Broncos, meanwhile, have locked down the final spots on their roster with the signings of Lavinia Gould and Bree Spreadborough.

Gould is a Broncos ‘original’, maintaining her spot as one of only five players still on the roster from the inaugural 2018 season along with Ali Brigginshaw, Julia Robinson, Chelsea Lenarduzzi and Mariah Denman.

Brisbane’s final place in the 24-player NRLW squad has been given to backrower Spreadborough who has been playing with the Central Queensland Capras in the BMD Premiership competition.

The Gold Coast Titans have farewelled rugby league icon Steph Hancock, who has joined the Dragons for 2024 as an injury replacement for Tara McGrath-West, who has been ruled out for the campaign with a sternum injury.

Bittersweet news for our #NRLW squad, with one legend returning to the #RedV but another star ruled out for the season 💔

Read more 🐉🔥⏬https://t.co/BzDPBWokym pic.twitter.com/V7gd9j0BBH

— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) June 10, 2024

Pihuka Berryman-Duff and forward Jade Fonua will continue their NRLW careers with Parramatta. Both youngsters made their NRLW debuts with the Eels last season and have each signed a one-year deal to return in 2024.

The Knights have signed former New Zealand netball star Grace Kukutai and fellow Super Rugby convert Isabella Waterman for the upcoming NRLW season.

Canberra rounded out its roster for 2024 with the addition of rookie trio Jaida Faleono, Tatiana Finau and Relna Wuruki-Hosea.

Official 2024 Squad Lists

• See the official signings tracker hub

Updated NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership rosters for the 2024 season are below. Contract lengths, as well as player, club and mutual options, are listed in full.

• Player option (PO): Player has the option to activate additional year(s)
• Club option (CO): Club has the option to activate additional year(s)
• Mutual option (MO): Both parties discuss the option to activate additional year(s)

Your club’s NRLW contract list:

Broncos | Raiders | Sharks

Titans | Knights | Cowboys | Eels

Dragons | Roosters | Wests Tigers

Brisbane Broncos

Development List

2024 gains: Bree Spreadborough (Central Queensland Capras), Keilee Joseph (Roosters), Stacey Waaka (rugby union), Skyla Adams.

2024 losses: Filomina Hanisi (Sharks), Grace Griffin (unsigned), Narikah Orchard (unsigned), Toni Hunt (unsigned).

Canberra Raiders

Development List

2024 gains: Amelia Pasikala (Roosters), Jaida Faleono (Titans), Relna Wuruki-Hosea (Brisbane Tigers), Sereana Naitokatoka (Sharks), Tatiana Finau (Bulldogs).

2024 losses: Ahlivia Ingram (unsigned), Jessica Gentle (unsigned), Petesa Lio (unsigned), Tara Reinke (unsigned).

Cronulla Sharks

Development List

2024 gains: Pia Tapsell (rugby union), Filomina Hanisi (Broncos), Georgia Hannaway (Norths Devils), Nakia Davis-Welsh (Eels), Manilita Takapautolo.

2025 gains*: Caitlan Johnston (Knights).

2024 losses: Harata Butler (Cowboys), Sereana Naitokatoka (Raiders), Jazmon Tupou-Witchman (unsigned), Kiana Takairangi (unsigned), Maddie Studdon (unsigned).

Gold Coast Titans

Development List

2024 gains: Ivana Lolesio (rugby union), Ngatokotoru Arakua (Souths Logan Magpies), Georgia Sim (Western Clydesdales), Lily Kolc, Malaela Su’a, Matekino Gray.

2024 losses: Stephanie Hancock (Dragons), Brooke Saddler (unsigned), Kaitlyn Phillips (unsigned), Sophie Buller (unsigned).

** ruled out of 2024 season with injury.

Newcastle Knights

Development List

2024 gains: Grace Kukutai (rugby union), Evie Jones, Isabella Waterman, Jacinta Carter.

2025 gains: Fane Finau.

2024 losses: Jasmin Strange (Roosters), Tiana Davison (Roosters).

2025 losses: Caitlan Johnston (Sharks).

North Queensland Cowboys