2024 NRLW Signings Tracker: Raiders extend Kemp, Holyman

On the back of locking in their inaugural co-captains on new deals the Canberra Raiders have signed Grace Kemp and Sophie Holyman to long-term extensions.

The two front-rowers have both re-signed for an extra three years until the end of the 2027 NRLW season.

“It’s terrific for the club, it’s great for our region. For some of the young girls coming through it’s a good clear message that you don’t have to leave the area to go and follow your dreams, there’s a club here that’s in the NRLW now and it’s a reality, anything can happen," said Raiders coach Darrin Borthwick.

“They are both very good learners and I know both of them definitely want to get better as well. To have them secured here and know that they are in our system at this club is terrific.”

The Raiders announced on April 11 that Temara has extended through until the end of 2026, while Taufa will remain in the nation's capital until at least the conclusion of the 2027 season. 

Both incumbent State of Origin players, the pair become the first players on Canberra's NRLW roster to sign on beyond this season. 

The Dragons have locked in Kiwi playmaker Tyla King on a new deal which will see the 29-year-old remain at the club until at least the end of the 2025 season.

After appearing in all nine games for the Dragons in 2023, the cross-code convert capped off a stellar season after helping lead the Kiwi Ferns to a Pacific Championships victory over Australia in her debut Kiwi Ferns campaign.

"I'm so excited to be back with the Dragons," King said.

"I absolutely loved my time last season with the team and knew it wouldn't be a one-and-done type thing. I've still got so much to learn in the sport and I'm super excited to continue that growth with the team and Sowie."

The Raiders, meanwhile, have locked in inaugural NRLW co-captains Zahara Temara and Simaima Taufa on new deals.

The club announced on April 11 that Temara has extended through until the end of 2026, while Taufa will remain in the nation's capital until at least the conclusion of the 2027 season. 

Both incumbent State of Origin players, the pair become the first players on Canberra's NRLW roster to sign on beyond this season. 

“I’m happy for both girls that it gives them a little bit of stability as well, that’s where our game is going at the moment," Raiders NRLW coach Darrin Borthwick said.

"They’ve got contracts they can sign long term and stability and knowing where they are going to be is a big thing. It’s going to improve us as a team and a club as well."

Meanwhile two more rugby sevens stars will feature in the NRLW next season after the Titans announced the signing of Ivana Lolesio on a two-year deal.

The news comes after the Roosters landed US rugby sevens representative Liz Tafuna, who was spotted by recruits at the NRL’s Talent Combine in Las Vegas earlier this year and set become the first American to play in the NRLW.

The 20-year-old Lolesio previously represented Queensland in the AON Next Gen 7s and featured for Australia's Under 18 side at the World Schools 7s in late 2022, before shifting to league with the Burleigh Bears in the BMD Premiership.

Born in New Zealand, Tafuna began playing rugby union after her family moved to Utah and has represented the US in sevens and the 15-aside version of the code. She will relocate to Australia for the NRLW pre-season commencing in June

The Eels have agreed to a new three-year deal with rising star Boss Kapua set to remain at the club until the end of 2026. The boom back-rower debuted with the blue and gold last season and impressed in her rookie campaign, making 74 tackles in four games and racking up an average 59 run metres.

Official Squad Lists 

Updated NRL Telstra Women's Premiership rosters for the 2024 season are below. Contract lengths, as well as player, club and mutual options, are listed in full.

• Player option (PO): Player has the option to activate additional year(s)
• Club option (CO): Club has the option to activate additional year(s)
• Mutual option (MO): Both parties discuss the option to activate additional year(s)

Your club's NRLW contract list:

Broncos | Raiders | Sharks

Titans | Knights | Cowboys | Eels

Dragons | Roosters | Wests Tigers

Brisbane Broncos

2024 gains: Keilee Joseph (Roosters), Stacey Waaka (rugby)

2024 losses: TBC.

Off contract players (2023): Filomina Hanisi, Grace Griffin, Lavinia Gould, Narikah Orchard, Toni Hunt.

Canberra Raiders

2024 gains: TBC.

2024 losses: TBC.

Off contract players (2023): Ahlivia Ingram, Alanna Dummett, Cheyelle Robins-Reti, Elise Smith, Ella Ryan, Emma Barnes, Grace Kemp (player option), Jessica Gentle, Kerehitina Matua, Petesa Lio, Shakiah Tungai, Tara Reinke, Tommaya Kelly-Sines, Ua Ravu.

Cronulla Sharks

2024 gains: Pia Tapsell (rugby union)

2024 losses: Harata Butler (Cowboys). 

Off contract players (2023): Fatafehi Hanisi, Fiona Jahnke, Jazmon Tupou-Witchman, Kiana Takairangi, Maddie Studdon, Sereana Naitokatoka.

Gold Coast Titans

2024 gains: Ivana Lolesio.

2024 losses: TBC.

Development players (2024): Estanoa Faitala.

Off contract players (2023): Brittany Breayley-Nati, Brooke Saddler, Kaitlyn Phillips, Karina Brown (club option), Sienna Laing, Sophie Buller, Stephanie Hancock, Zara Canfield (club option).

Newcastle Knights

2024 gains: TBC.

2024 losses: Jasmin Strange (Roosters), Tiana Davison (Roosters).

Development players (2024): Lilly-Ann White, Leah Ollerton.

Off contract players (2024): Caitlin Moran, Rima Butler (player option), Tiana Davison.

North Queensland Cowboys

2024 gains: Jakiya Whitfeld (Wests Tigers), Harata Butler (Cowboys).

2024 losses: TBC.

Off contract players (2023): April Ngatunpuna, (club option), Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly (club option), Mia Middleton, Sera Koroi, Shaylee Joseph (player option)

Parramatta Eels

2024 gains: TBC.

2024 losses: Amelia Huakau (Wests Tigers).

Off contract players (2023): Capri Paekau, Jade Fonua, Kelsey Clark, Kimberley Hunt, Kyra Simon, Nakia Davis-Welsh, Pihuka Berryman-Duff, Rueben Cherrington, Shannon Muru, Shontelle Stowers, Talesha O'Neill,

St George Illawarra Dragons

2024 gains: TBC.

2024 losses: TBC.

Development players (2024): Trinity Tauaneai, Jessica Patea.

Off contract players (2023): Cheynoah Amone, Cortez Te Pou, Kaarla Cowan (player option), Keele Browne, Maddison Weatherall, Renee Targett, Roxette Murdoch, Sara Sautia, Sarah Riordan, Taylor Mapusua (mutual option).

Sydney Roosters

2024 gains: Jasmin Strange (Knights), Tiana Davison (Knights), Liz Tafuna (US 7s)

2024 losses: Keilee Joseph (Broncos).

Development players (2024): Tyra Ekepati.

Off contract players (2023): Alexandrea Kiriwi, Amelia Pasikala, Grace Hamilton, Joeli Morris, Lily Rogan, Teuila Fotu-Moala, Tyler Bentley.

Wests Tigers 

2024 gains: Claudia Nielsen, Natasha Penitani, Harmony Crichton, Amelia Huakau (Eels). 

2024 losses: Jakiya Whitfeld (Cowboys).

Off contract players (2023): Bianca Bennetts, Folau Vaki, Hope Tevaga, Josie Lenaz, Rebecca Pollard, Taylor Osborne.