NRLW Late Mail: Round 1 - Baxter's back; Nicholls to lead returning Warriors
The Telstra Women's Premiership is ready to kick off for 2025 with two new teams and 50 per cent more games than last season.
The biggest and best NRLW season ever includes debut club the Bulldogs and also the Warriors, back in the competition after a five-year absence.
The Roosters will be without star playmaker Tarryn Aiken (shoulder) when they launch their title defence against the Warriors on Sunday but Corban Baxter is set for her first NRLW match since September 2023 after she missed all of last season with an ACL injury.
See all the late mail, official team news and updates for Round 1 of the 2025 NRLW Telstra Premiership.
NRLW Late Mail Round 1
Roosters v Warriors, Sunday 11.50am at Allianz Stadium
Match: Roosters v Warriors
Round 1 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Brydie ParkerFullback for Warriors is number 1 Apii Nicholls
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Winger for Roosters is number 2 Taina NaividiWinger for Warriors is number 2 Michaela Brake
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Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica SergisCentre for Warriors is number 3 Tysha Ikenasio
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Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle KellyCentre for Warriors is number 4 Emmanita Paki
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Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jayme FressardWinger for Warriors is number 5 Payton Takimoana
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Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Corban BaxterFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Patricia Maliepo
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Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Jocelyn KelleherHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Emily Curtain
Forwards
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Prop for Roosters is number 8 Otesa PuleProp for Warriors is number 8 Harata Butler
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Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley DavisHooker for Warriors is number 9 Capri Paekau
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Prop for Roosters is number 10 Rima ButlerProp for Warriors is number 10 Lavinia Kitai
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Mia Wood2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Shakira Baker
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Jasmin Strange2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Kaiyah Atai
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Lock for Roosters is number 13 Olivia KernickLock for Warriors is number 13 Laishon Albert-Jones
Interchange
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Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Shawden BurtonInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Lydia Turua-Quedley
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Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Macie CarlileInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Maarire Puketapu
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Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Aliyah NasioInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Ashlee Matapo
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Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Taneisha GrayInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Matekino Gray
Reserves
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Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Jayde HerdegenReplacement for Warriors is number 18 Makayla Eli
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Todd Smith
Last updated:
Roosters: Corban Baxter is set for her first NRLW match since September 2023 after she missed all of last season with an ACL injury. The veteran has been named at five-eighth, with Jocelyn Kelleher at halfback. Jillaroos and Queensland star Tarryn Aiken is out with a shoulder injury. Olivia Kernick will start at lock after a dominant performance for the Blues during the State of Origin series. NSW teammates Jess Sergis and Isabelle Kelly will again link up in the centres. Jasmin Strange has shifted from the outside backs to the back row as she takes on a new role this weekend. No late changes on game day.
Warriors: Fullback Apii Nicholls will lead the Warriors in their return to the competition, with Patricia Maliepo and Emily Curtain to combine in the halves. Olympic gold medallist Michaela Brake lines up on the wing in her NRLW debut. New Zealand star Laishon Albert-Jones has been named at lock after joining the Warriors from the Knights in the off-season. Mya Hill-Moana is unavailable after giving birth in April and Metanoia Fotu-Moala will miss the game as she is getting married this weekend. No late changes on game day.
