The Mounties are delighted to announce that eight of its Rugby League Women’s players have signed with the inaugural 2023 Canberra Raiders NRLW team.
“We are delighted to see so many representatives from our women’s team be officially signed to the Raiders for the season,” Mounties Rugby League Manager, Alex Miller commented.
Mr. Miller explained that by signing on for the club’s inaugural NRLW season, Mounties NRLW players are joining the Canberra Raiders, in what is a true testament to their talent and commitment to the game. Players include Simaima Taufa, Tommaya Kelly-Sines, Mackenzie Wiki, Kerehitina Matua, Petesa Lio, Alanna Dummett, Aaliyah Lomas and Janelle Williams.
Miller said that the Raiders announced a partnership with Mounties earlier this year, providing the opportunity for players to continue to develop their skills in NSW’s premier women’s competition.
“Mounties is a proud advocate for fostering sport from juniors through to seniors and semi-professional players across a number of sporting codes.” Mr Miller commented “In the last few years, supported by our partnership with the Raiders, we are particularly proud of the work we have undertaken supporting our Women in League program,”.
Mr Miller said that joining our eight Canberra Raiders players is four other players who have been signed to varied NRLW teams. Sheridan Gallagher and Laishon Albert-Jones have signed with the Newcastle Knights, Matilda Power has been contracted to Sydney Roosters and Sereana Naitokatoka with the Cronulla Sharks.
“The signing of these players is rewarding for many reasons. Not only to see our incredible talent be recognised on a national level, but also because it reaffirms that our Mounties Rugby League pathways program is proving successful,” Mr Miller commented.




Mr Miller said that Mounties provides a clear pathway for young male and females to work towards the NSW Cup or Women’s Premierships in the NRL and NRLW.
“We are proud to provide specialised coaching within our ranks to support this program and these skilled coaches are armed with qualifications that encourage a developmental approach to coaching through physical and mental growth,” Mr Miller commented.
Mr Miller explained that the Mounties pathways program is backed by results with now more than 15 players training with the NSW Cup and NSW Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership squads in 2022 who have previously played juniors at Mounties. Miller added that these 12 players joining the NRLW teams have all been with Mounties for several years and many from a young age as a junior.
“With our legacy in League spanning more than 90 years, we are incredibly focused on ensuring Mounties Group can continue to foster, support and mentor young and senior players as well as elite and semi-professional sports people, to reach their full potential.” Mr Miller commented “For our pathways program, it’s not always about selection, but seeing these dozen talented players hold a contract with these national teams is one of the most rewarding aspects of our role to support young people in sport,”.
Mr Miller said that 2023 will see the biggest NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership ever and feature nine rounds, double headers and, for the first time, matches in primetime. The 2023 NRLW season will include new teams Canberra Raiders, Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers. All 12 players will now be part of their respective teams for the next 12 months with the NRLW competition to kick off from July 22.