Canberra have become the first NRLW club to lure an English woman to the competition, with teenage lock Hollie-Mae Dodd to join the Raiders.

A star for England in last year’s World Cup, Dodd played in the Super League for Valkyrie last Sunday but will move to Australia for pre-season training.

“I knew now was the time for a challenge within myself therefore,” Dodd said.

“Coming over and playing in the NRLW, I’m ready to learn off world class athletes to help my development within the game.

“Training and playing as a professional athlete in the sport I have love for has been a dream of mine ever since being a child.”

Dodd was the youngest player ever to take part in a Challenge Cup final when she turned out for Castleford at the age 16 in 2019.

Her move to the Raiders comes after the club has made a point of signing several men’s NRL players in the past decade.

Valkyrie coach Lindsay Anfield labelled it an “absolutely massive” moment for the player and the club.

Leeds Rhinos duo Georgia Roche and Fran Goldthorp are also expected to join the NRLW in coming days, according to PA.

The Raiders also confirmed the signing of Mackenzie Wiki on Thursday, the daughter of club legend Ruben Wiki.

“It’s an honour to follow my Dad at the same club,” Wiki said. 

“His first club was Raiders now my first club is Raiders. It’s just surreal.”

– with PA