After being a gala-day-style competition in previous years, this season will mark the first time the Lisa Fiaola Cup has been given full competition status.
The competition will be played over nine regular season rounds, including 13 uniquely different clubs.
Zero Tackle has you covered with all the squads, and looks at one player to watch during the season.
At this stage, the Central Coast Roosters, Manly Sea Eagles and Newcastle Knights have yet to confirm their squads, but Zero Tackle will keep you apprised of any updates.
After receiving a ton of interest from several players during the trial period, the Bulldogs have selected an impressive and talented roster for this season.
While they may not be one of the frontrunners to take out the title, they can be counted on to improve the development of their players and improve every round.
Squad: Abbey Fuz, Aliahana Fuimaono, Amirah Abdallah, Asha Taumoepeau-Williams, Caliche Toki-Rimene, Evelyn Roberts, Georgia Clydsdale, Giovanna Suani, Heilala Fifita, Kiana Vatubua, Josinah Tauiliili, Lahnayah Daniel, Lilly-Jane Williams, Mary-Jane Taito, Meleseini Makaui, Nazlyn Waaka-Rhind, Olivia Vaalele, Paige Tauaneai, Seriah Palepale, Rastalia Smith, Tejahla-Jane Daniels-Maifea, Tenaria George, Trinity Tauaneai, Amar Elomari, Emily Castillo, Jayde Freeman, Monique Poulivaati
PLAYER TO WATCH: Evelyn Roberts
A 16-year-old hooker and halfback, Roberts has a big future ahead of her and enters the club from Auckland Rugby League, in which she represented the Under-17s Georgia Hale Cup team.
Expect Roberts to continually aim to get the ball in her hands and produce some spectacular moments throughout the season from the get-go.
Coached by Sydney Roosters NRLW winger Jayme Fressard, the club is yet to confirm their squad for the Lisa Fiaola Cup.
“They are a typical Central Coast rep team, where they're very skilful, very tough and very smart footballers. Never the biggest, but very skilful, tough and smart," she told News Corp.
Squad: Ellie Brander, Gemma Wooden, Mia Vaotuna, Sienna Thomas, Ella Knowles, [MORE TBA]
PLAYER TO WATCH: Ella Knowles
An exciting young prospect, Knowles will be the club's first-choice five-eighth this season and is incredible with the ball in her hands. Her presence in attack gifts the team another dimension of play and creates havoc for the opposition.
Knowles will likely link up with Sienna Thomas in the halves, creating a lethal combination.
“They're both well-balanced runners, smart footballers and are very skilful,” Sydney Roosters NRLW coach John Strange told News Corp.
The Sharks have shown in recent weeks during the trial matches that they will be a team to watch this season, especially considering that they have welcomed back several key members.
The club have also made some promising signings from other clubs and have several players who earned Under-16s representative honours last year.
Squad: Milla Caine, Charlotte Teplicanec, Kahlea Fisher, Georgia Rake, Jade Pawson, Ashton Daley, Ella Ropata, Angela Agavale, Keely Latta, Taisha Kelly, Jessica Stonestreet, Maia Stowers, Tara Brown, Emily Teplicanec, Felila Fakalelu, Isabella McDonald, Summer Anderson, Molly Wepler, Jaeva Bentley, Chloe Shepherd, Ana Lole, Tully Rayner, Tameika Dorahy, Tashia Kelly, Manaia Cooper, Sam Stewart, Chloe Toko, Charlotte Hall
PLAYER TO WATCH: Milla Caine
A versatile utility, Caine enters the season as a NSW CIS Under-16s representative and is incredibly talented in a number of positions, including at fullback and in dummy-half. A skilled player in attack, she should not be underestimated in defence with her extreme toughness.
She is also the daughter of former Wests Tigers goal-kicking outside back Joel Caine. Another player to keep close attention to is Jessica Stonestreet (the sister of Sharks player Sam Stonestreet) - she recently represented NSWCCC at the Under-16s Schools National Championships.
Regarded as the best team in the competition and the early favourite to win the Lisa Fiaola Cup, the Steelers went undefeated during last year's competition - winning four out of four games.
“I think we've got a bit of a target on our backs,” coach Brad Reh said via News Corp.
“Finals is definitely the goal, top four for sure, we'll be aiming as high as we can.”
Squad:
Kayliah Alvey, Halle Barrett, Koffi Brookfield, Maddy Bullock, Holly Czornobej, Alex Down, Alysha Eti, April Gray, Ella Greatz, Michala Hardy, Arley Hourn, Kate Howle, Tahanni Kaufusi, Kiara Kostovski, Jayda Lalic, Maddison Lewis, Bella Lord, Sibeal McNamara, Halle Muik, Tahlia O'Brien, Bridget Shearer, Tori Shipton, Skye Spencer, Armani Tanioria, Eliza Taylor
PLAYER TO WATCH: Koffi Brookfield
Destined for big things in the future, Brookfield is one of the most exciting female prospects and has already spent time training with the club's NRLW squad last season.
The dummy half is a born leader and recently represented the Under-17s Country team in 2023 and will lead the team from the middle of the ruck. Her brother, Jett Brookfield, is also set to play first grade one day.
Squad: TBA
Squad: TBA
They may not be as experienced as some other teams in the competition, but their tenacity and never-give-up attitude should see them go far in the competition.
“Their hard work at training has been great,” Bruce Tuaimau told News Corp.
“We've started off a bit slow with our trials. Having such a big squad we've been trying to get the combinations right. Once they're finalised we're hoping they will work.
“They're really engaged as a group. With our main squad we had 30 in the catchment with a lot never playing 13-a-side league. For a lot this is their first experience of tackle in that setting.
Squad: Alyssa Pearsall, Aleesha Martin, Amaya Sanchez, Annika Yasa, Chloe North, Eden Melham, Elissa Langi, Fipe Vakacavu, Freya Cairns, Hannah Weber, Jayda Yammouni, Kathreen Siale, Kayla Killick, Liana Ngatai Mauri, Maddison Bond, Madison Hazel Clarke, Marwa Fayad, Mya Francia, Mya Lloyd, Nancy Bogsio, Sharnae Cassidy, Skye Morrissey, Tahira Armeda, Timeka Collins
PLAYER TO WATCH: Sharnae Cassidy
One of the many recruits for the club, Cassidy, has been picked up by the Bears from North Queensland and can play anywhere in the backline, from fullback to the outside backs and even in the halves.
Her versatility makes her extremely useful and will allow the Bears to adapt to a range of scenarios if they incur injuries or suspensions.
Taking on the Canterbury Bulldogs in the first week may be a tough ask for the Eels. However, their roster proves they can contend with every other team in the competition.
Squad: Aaliyah Soufan, Alaianne Toia, Alleya Scrivens, Ana Vave, Anika Penitani, Bailey Ma-Chong, Danielle Seckold, Essence Alo, Evelyn Kuwendu, Fiafia Freedom Crichton Ropati, Fontayne Tufuga, Georgia Bezzina, Jasmine Rorani, Kaylee Andrews, Khyliah Gray, Leonia Vei, Leyla Oueik, Logan Lemusu, Mere Sivo, Mitszy Cairns, Nikita E, Odesza Toia, Sharon Latapu, Shire Thocolich, Sienna Bonello, Sovita Hagedorn, Taylah Falaniko, Tia Matthews, Tiani Faiva Tulemau, Waiaria Ellis
PLAYER TO WATCH: Georgia Bezzina
A standout at the 2023 New South Wales Junior State Cup in Oztag last year for Baulkham Hill Girls, Bezzina is lightning-quick, and her footwork confuses the opposition instantly.
Highly adaptable between the two sports, the speedster will be aiming to use her pace to get away from the opposition defenders and will be extremely dangerous if given room to move; she could easily outrun the opposition.
The Panthers may have a newly formed squad for this season but the players have shown through their club football career that they are destined to make some headlines this season.
It is understood that over ten players on the roster competed in the local Under-17s Grand Final last year between St Marys and Emu Plains.
Squad: Aaliyah Womal, Alyssa Gibbons, Anita Ropati, Chava Hanna, Constance Omeli, Fatafehi Mahe, Georgie Zahra, Giavanna Leo, Hannah Ison, Isabella Papaa, Jade Elford, Jaeahna Latu, Jennifer Tuilagi, Kiah Taotofi, Maretta Fuimaono, Marleya Elekana, Matilda Vella, Meekah Viiga, Mya Muller, Naioka Tuipulotu, Natia Gallagher, Salamasina Pupualii, Savannah-June Lealaiauloto, Sienna Bruce, Summer Seymour, Tolutoluhama Fakalangi, Tyler-Eve Mair
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jade Elford
The daughter of 2005 premiership winner Shane Elford, Jade is an incredible player in her own right and will likely wear the number one jumper as the season begins.
A reliable and skilful player, Elford has shown in the past that she is dangerous in running the ball from the back of the field, and her defence is solid.
Coach Mick Daley is impressed with the Rabbitohs squad for this season after six players on the roster played some type of representative football last season.
“The returning players are bigger, stronger and wiser for last season's experience,” coach Mick Daley told News Corp.
“The squad now has access to more facilities and everyone is getting used to training three nights a week.”
Squad: Jessamine Aloalii, Lani Anderson, Jessica Brightwell, Sophia Brightwell, Amalia Casey, April Chappell, Ella Churchill, Tahlya Dower, Kirrawahn Duckett, Catea Duff, Aliyah Gordon, Sybella Hayne, Sienna Israel, Olivia Jarrett, Hannah Kalland, Amelia-Rose Leha, Victoria Loleni, Leilani Makalio-Harris, Keilani Manu, Keisha Marsh, Lilli McGannon, Kiara McGregor, Claudia Nairn, Teaira Rehutai, Emma Rushworth, Veronica Sefo, Jaleesa Smith, Jayla Suey, Markaylah Talanoa, Kylar Vecellio, Aaliyah Zabat, Arijana Zammit-Kaipo, Josephine Zapantis
PLAYER TO WATCH: Kiara McGregor
It's hard to find what skills McGregor doesn't have. The energetic five-eighth/halfback is an attacking maestro, continually taking on the opponents with her running game.
Along with her running game, she has an impeccable passing game and can be easily called upon in difficult times. Her height is one of her main advantages as it helps with her vision and rugby league IQ.
While the Dragons will field a new squad and enter the competition for the first time, coach Gary Fa'afua is relishing the moment and looks to be a great mentor to his players.
“I think we'll be competitive. After the last three trials we are confident that the goals we have set are not beyond them,” coach Gary Fa'afua told News Corp.
“Obviously it's a tough competition and it's our first time fielding a team, so hopefully the girls can find their feet early. No game is ever easy and we need to back ourselves."
Squad: Latisha Akuoko, Jaimee-Lea Anderson, Matilda Asplet, Cheyanne Burling, Zarli Collins, Carolina Cook, Summah Corea, Taylah El-Ters, Hannah Gray, Shelby Kohunui, Mercedez Lisone Siaea, Zaliah Lynch, Anissa McCue, Alissia Misa, Cheirsh Niusere-Maiva, Amelia Phillips, Morgan Simon, Rylee Siteine, Markenzy Siumaka Vaha, Evangeline Taauso, Zena Tarabolsi, Leilani Tongi-Finau, Makayla Towerton, Vanessa Walker, Emma War
PLAYER TO WATCH: Mercedez Lisone-Siaea
The front-rower is an enforcer in the middle of the ruck and will likely be the number-one threat to the Dragons' opponents.
Arriving from Melbourne, Lisone-Siaea has a big future ahead of her with her barnstorming runs. Add in her great defensive capabilities and it's as if she has been molded into a player made for rugby league.
The Roosters may be the youngest team in the competition compared to the other teams, but they have had a ton of success in recent years, including an Under-14s title win.
“Matraville Sports High took out the Katrina Fanning Cup (U14s) and there are a lot of talented girls coming through the school system," Roosters Head of Pathways Blake Cavallaro said, per News Corp.
“They compete at a good level. With the talent and skill level coming through the grades, the growth is exciting.”
Squad: Logan Fletcher, Irae Lei Savea, Samurai Pati Au-Cheung, Jayda Mapasua, Ayva Papali'i, Anastasia Leatupue, Talea Tonga, Evie Phillips, Elouise Maher, Meaquen Logan, Tehillah Prasad, Faith Drollett, Lacey Cross, Tsharnti Jerrard, Mollie Rennie, Star Slater, Bae-Phoenix Kelly, Mila Spies, Grace McGregor, Maddison Hempo, Orla Graham, Cote Haroon
PLAYER TO WATCH: Mila Spies
One of the youngest players in the competition at only 15 years old, Spies' young age doesn't show on the field as she already looks like an experienced veteran. Whenever the ball gets into her hands, she looks like an attacking threat and isn't afraid to make tackles in defence.
Coming from the famed Matraville Sports High School, Spies can play either on the wing or in the centres and is a player to watch over the next few years.
When it comes to pathways and junior teams, the Wests Tigers are always a team to watch out for and this competition will be no different.
“They're a young group of girls that are willing to learn. Coming from different demographic areas from the inner city down to Campbelltown and bringing a group of girls together from different areas, they've shown an ability to learn off each other,” coach Scott Clark said.
“We have a lot of girls that have played other sports like touch footy, Oztag, rugby union, and represented heritage sides like Tonga and Samoa.
“We brought it right back to basics this season. They've been willing to listen, learn and deliver it. In our first trial there was a lot of good league played."
Squad: Agnews (Jewel) Faaui, Alavina Tu'ifua, Aliana Fasavalu-Fa'amausili, Ana Taviliniu, Angel Schaafhausen-Mino, Annelise Hall, Elanor Ward, Ellie Barnett, Faith Masina, Hannah Maher, Hayley Firman, Ilaisaane Vunipola, Isabel Mcmenemy, Isabella James, Isabelle Fitzpatrick, Izabel Williams, Kealii-Jordan Muru, Layla Tima, Liliola Ward, Lily Hall, Lucyannah Luamanu, Lusinita Taviliniu, May Fuimaono, Mikayla Faletau, Naomi Cowley, Paige Attard, Rhiannon Bonner, Sakari Ritchie, Sienna Robertson, Talia Pele-Taula, Worship Kailea
PLAYER TO WATCH: Ellie Barnett
Co-captain of the team, Barnett is a talented multi-sport player in rugby league, Oztag and touch football. The halfback has one of the best-kicking games in the competition, and her footwork is incredible.
Angel Schaafhausen-Mino is also a player to keep an eye on and will lead the club's forward pack, bringing a good attacking and defensive game.