A talent-laden Canberra outfit believe they can win an NRLW premiership in their first season in the competition, as they prepare for their maiden outing against Cronulla on Sunday.
Joined by Wests Tigers and North Queensland, the Raiders and Sharks are two of four new teams from the latest round of NRLW expansion, each having lured a host of stars to make them genuine contenders from the outset.
Dally M medallist Emma Tonegato will shift to No.6 and join fellow State of Origin stars Tiana Penitani and Quincy Dodd in the Sharks’ line-up, while Canberra will look to legendary forward Simaima Taufa and Queensland half Zahara Temara to lead their side.
NZ winger Madison Bartlett, another Raiders signing from Gold Coast, said they wouldn’t let inexperience stop them competing from the outset.
“It doesn’t matter that we’re a new team coming in here, I know we’ve got the girls to do it,” she said.
“And we’ve trained hard, we’ve done everything we can, so it’s time to put it on show.
“It’s one of the first teams I’ve been a part of I genuinely think has the team to take it all the way.”
The Raiders have also kept an eye on the future, bringing former Wallaroo Grace Kemp (aged 22) to rugby league and stacking their back row with NSW under-19 Origin talent Monalisa Soliola (18) and England international Hollie-Mae Dodd (19).
“The speed of the game is just completely different to what it is back home,” Dodd said.
“Coming over here and being able to be in the professional environment, get the coaching and fully commit to actually playing rugby league has definitely helped me and will develop me to be the player that I want to be.”
Reigning premiers Newcastle begin their title defence with 10 members of their grand final-winning side in the lineup against St George Illawarra on Saturday.
The Dragons have lost a stack of talent but still have a dynamic halves pairing of Kiwi Ferns halfback Raecene McGregor and dual rugby sevens Olympic medallist Tyla Nathan-Wong.
Other round one matches include a blockbuster Saturday night fixture between Sydney Roosters and Brisbane, where the new-look Roosters will be out to make an early season statement.
They’ve lured NSW duo Millie Boyle and Keeley Davis to the club, while gun fullback Corban Baxter returns after missing last season through pregnancy.
North Queensland begin their time in the competition against the Gold Coast, premiership-winning half Kirra Dibb and England fullback Fran Goldthorp their marquee signings.
And Wests Tigers will look to NSW captain Kezie Apps and returning fullback Botille Vette-Walsh in their battle with last season’s grand finalists Parramatta, who’ve signed star PNG prop Elsie Albert to fill the gap left by Taufa’s departure.
By Alex Mitchell in Canberra
