NRLW champs preparing to lose key players to rival clubs

Sydney Roosters captain Corban Baxter concedes her side are likely to lose more than a quarter of their premiership-winning players to rival clubs as the contract market heats up in the NRLW.

It’s been a month since the Roosters took out their first NRLW title but the wheels have been in motion off the field for more than 144 players across the competition to sign new deals after a record-breaking season.

The Roosters were among the hardest hit clubs to lose players ahead of their 2021 triumph with 10 departing, which made their title win even more impressive under John Strange in April.

That scenario is possible again for the Roosters with Newcastle heavily targeting players from their region who played for the Tricolours this year to return home.

“We’ve got some big names who have been part of the team that are potentially leaving us," Baxter told NRL.com while on hand shooting a commercial for NRL partners DoorDash.

"It's not ideal to see your teammates leave after achieving something great but the quality overall is getting better and I’m confident we can fill those positions.

"It will be tough but Strangey and Walks (Roosters general manager Craig Walker) will do a good job in making sure we get the right people in.

“We had a couple of Tarsha Gale Cup girls train with us in the NRLW season and having them win that competition a couple of weeks ago is a really big bonus for us as a club.”

Baxter has been maintaining her fitness and skills level since claiming the NRLW title by playing for the Sharks in the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership.

It is the first time in history an NRLW competition has been played before the state competitions this year, making it new territory for everyone involved.

“A lot of us are pretty buggered after a big competition but just the fact the coaches between both comps are talking to each other and making sure we get a rest when we need one has been really helpful,” she said.

“My body isn’t too sore but it’s the mental side of it. We might feel good now but in a couple of weeks or months when we’ve got to go back to a high level we have to be smart about it.”

The Roosters will finally get to lift the NRLW trophy in front of a home crowd when the men’s side host the Panthers in round 11 as part of the club's miaden premiership celebrations. 

After that Baxter and several of her Roosters teammates will be pushing for Origin selection including NSW stars Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly and Queenslander Zahara Temara for the interstate clash on June 24.

The Sky Blues named an extended squad last month with Baxter an option for coach Kylie Hilder at either five-eighth or in the backline.

“Going to fullback for the Roosters this year wasn’t the plan initially but it worked out well and I don’t mind the thought of jumping around in different teams or games,” Baxter said.

“I do enjoy playing five-eighth though and getting some more time in that position. I feel like I want more time there and think I can get better.”