Two rounds into the expanded NRLW season and already this competition is serving up plenty of scintillating tries, bone-rattling defence and some early standouts.
The Roosters, Broncos, Dragons and Sharks are beginning to stake their claims at the top of the ladder, while rookie sides like the Bulldogs are raising eyebrows.
And though every team is still settling, with opportunity to make the top six, some early trends are emerging.
Early contenders: Roosters, Broncos, Sharks, Dragons
Sydney Roosters have looked close to perfect, even with the absence of Tarryn Aiken. It’s a scary prospect for other teams in the competition. With their win over the Dragons, that’s now eight wins in a row for the Tricolours. What will particularly delight Roosters fans is the number of players stepping up each week. In the win over the Dragons, Rima Butler made over 106 metres, Isabelle Kelly scored a try, had two line breaks and almost made 200 run metres and who can forget Taina Naividi’s three first half tries against the Warriors last week.
In Brisbane, the Broncos have rediscovered their swagger and they have been so exciting to watch. I’m still dreaming about that Round 1 offload from Tamika Upton to Mele Hufanga, setting up Hufanga’s first try. Similar to the Roosters, the Broncos have attacking weapons all over the field; from Upton at fullback, to Hufanga and Julia Robinson in the backline, Gayle Broughton in the halves and Destiny Brill and Chelsea Lenarduzzi off the bench.
Cronulla started the season with a loss to the committed Eels but they made a huge statement with a 56-6 demolition of the Canberra Raiders on the weekend. The win equalled Cronulla’s biggest ever win and with her four tries, Emma Verran became just the fifth player in the NRLW to score four tries in one game. A player to keep an eye on is Steph Faulkner, a rookie forward who scored two tries on debut.
Across town, the Dragons have also been impressive. Nathan Cross has taken over as NRLW coach and seems to have reenergised this team. Co captains Raecene McGregor and Zali Hopkins have brought stability, and young players like Indie Bostock have shown composure beyond their years in key moments. This squad will continue to build and Teagan Berry is primed to have a big season.
Emerging teams and surprises: In their inaugural season, the Bulldogs have started brightly. Under coach Brayden Wiliame, they’ve shown structure and heart, despite their lack of NRLW history. A standout in early rounds is Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa, whose physical presence in the middle is creating impact. Their confident finish to round two indicates this team isn’t just here to fill spots.
The returning Warriors have assembled one of the strongest debut rosters ever seen in the league. Star signings like Michaela Brake bring Olympic gold-medal-winning pedigree from rugby sevens, and she’s already looked the part on the wing, especially against Parramatta. Apii Nicholls leads the side and provides experience in attack, while Patricia Maliepo in the halves promises creativity once combinations settle. Despite a slow start, when the Warriors find cohesion they’ll be devastating.
Wests Tigers remain winless, but flashes in both games suggest this team isn’t far off. I’ve especially enjoyed the performances of Jetaya Faifua and Caitlin Turnbull, with a highlight in last week’s game being seeing Kezie Apps in open space to score a try. Brett Kimmorley’s group may yet pull it together.
Rookie Watch: Bostock, Brake & more.
Every season births new names, and 2025 might be the richest so far. Bostock has turned heads with clean touches under pressure and line-breaking runs. She feels destined for a big future in the NRLW.
Brake, making the switch from world class sevens to NRLW with the Warriors, brings unmatched pace. She lines up on the wing and prompts constant worry for defenders. Her first two games have showcased both potential and raw ability.
Other rookies to watch include Ryvrr-Lee Alo for the Eels, Megan Pakulis for the Gold Coast Titans and Reegan Hicks for the Broncos.
What to Expect: Round 3 Preview
Round 3 presents several match-ups that could define momentum
- Canberra v Eels: After a disappointing loss to the Warriors, the Eels will want to get back on track against a Raiders side still finding its feet.
- Sharks v Cowboys: Both teams sit on one win each with the Sharks disappointing in Round 1 and the Cowboys disappointing in Round 2. This should be a physical game with plenty of points scored given some of the attacking talent in both teams
- Brisbane v Roosters: Match of the round by far with the two in form teams in the competition. This should give us a good sense oh just how dominant these two teams are.
- Tigers v Titans: One of these teams will get their first win of the season.
Two weeks tell only part of the story, but the gaps between the top-tier contenders and the new sides are narrowing.
The Roosters and Broncos look settled and clinical, the Sharks are sharpening combinations, the Dragons are evolving under new coaching with rookie energy, the Warriors hold star-power and athleticism waiting to click and Bulldogs have shown resilience beyond expectations. All roads point to a fiercely competitive season ahead.
