The Wests Tigers have announced their NSW Women’s Premiership squad for 2026, with an abundance of young, local talent given the opportunity to continue their development in the senior ranks of the Club’s female Pathway.
The program, which has a strong emphasis on bringing through the Club’s next wave of NRLW talent, has commenced preparations for the 2026 campaign under newly appointed Head Coach, Robbie Taylor.
Taylor – who has held a variety of development roles across the women’s game – previously served as an Assistant Coach for the Wests Tigers NSW Women’s Premiership side in 2019. He returns to the Club following a successful stint with the Newcastle Knights, where he secured the 2025 NSW Women’s Premiership Minor Premiership and a Grand Final appearance.
Taylor said it was exciting to return to the Tigers and help guide the next generation of players.
“I was involved a couple of years ago through our development programs, and there’s always been so much talent across the region. Our job is to nurture that and bring those local players through the Pathway,” Taylor said.
The Women’s Premiership program is a key step between the Wests Tigers Pathways junior representative teams and the NRLW side, giving emerging players the opportunity to develop the skills and experience required to compete at the next level.
“When the NSW Women’s Premiership started, the women’s game was still building.
“Now the professionalism around the NRLW has really lifted the standard. Players want to be part of that, and the Pathway programs play a big role in helping them get there.”
Taylor will also work closely with Wests Tigers Female Pathways Coordinator, David Fauonuku and NRLW Head Coach, Craig Sandercock, ensuring players who progress through the Club’s system are prepared for future NRLW opportunities.
For the first time, the Tigers hosted an open trial in Camden in early February, giving aspiring players a chance to showcase their abilities and be considered for selection.
Taylor said the response to the trial was impressive.
“We had a really strong response with players wanting to be involved.
“It was about giving them an opportunity to come in, show their skills and then see how they performed in the trial game environment.”
While the season’s preparation is only just beginning, the program's focus remains clear – preparing the generation wave of Wests Tigers for when their opportunity arises.
“My role is to help get these girls ready to play NRLW,” Taylor added.
“It’s about developing them physically and mentally so that if an opportunity ever comes, they’re ready to take it.”
Robbie Taylor NSW Women’s Premiership Coach
With the squad now confirmed, the focus turns to the season ahead and building a strong pathway for women’s rugby league at Concord.
Tarsha Gale and Lisa Fiaola players will also be pushing for selection in the squad at the conclusion of the junior representative season.
The Wests Tigers season kicks off on Saturday, 13 June against the Roosters at Lidcombe Oval.
The NSW Women’s Premiership regular season will be 11 rounds, concluding on Saturday 29 August, for the teams draw, please click here.
West Tigers - Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership
Abbey Krzanic
Aliana Tonu'u
Ally Bullman
Bianca Bennetts
Breeze E'e
Harmony Kautai
Emaison Beck
Folau Vaki
Navelzen Taupo
Jade Pond
Katalina Vave
Kiara Barnes
Lexus Christie-Talau
Litia Taufa-Laukau Fusi
Logan Flanagan
Maddie Binding
Malia Tui'fua
Manirewa Howell
Montana Mclean
Phoenix Lamese
Rayven Jodeci Boyce
Season Blackburn-Kingi
Shekinah Edwards
Shelby Muir
Sofaia Vaki
Tehillah Rose Vaeluaga
Trinity Crosby
