'So much potential': Meet the young guns ready to step into the spotlight

The NRLW competition has long proven a breeding ground for the next generation of stars and 2026 promises to be no different. 

From Jesse Southwell to Indie Bostock and Shalom Sauaso, young guns have enjoyed breakout rookie seasons over the years. 

Another crop of youngsters is waiting in the wings, ready to shine when the 2026 NRLW season kicks off on Thursday night. 

These are the players to watch throughout the upcoming NRLW season. 

Lillian Yarrow - Broncos

A member of the next generation of Queensland talent, Yarrow made her State of Origin debut in Game Three of this year's series. The 21-year-old spent the past two years with the Cowboys before moving south to join the reigning premiers. 

An emerging prop, Yarrow is set to learn first-hand from international star Shannon Mato throughout the season. 

"She's young, she's 21 and she's absolutely champing at the bit," experienced forward Brianna Clark said. "She's embraced the Brisbane standards and culture and she'll be a long-term Bronco."

Mary-Jane Taito - Bulldogs

A dynamic hooker who starred for the Bulldogs during the recent Tarsha Gale Cup season, Taito was rewarded with a place in the Top 24 squad for the NRLW season. 

Teammate Evelyn Roberts has also made the leap from the under 19 competition to the NRLW squad, the halfback tipped to impress if she gets her chance this season. 

"We've got some exciting talent across the park and some fresh faces coming through the pathway," captain Tayla Preston said. "I think we'll see Mary-Jane and Evelyn this year. 

"A few people have heard about Evelyn, she went up and played in the BMD Premiership [in Queensland], so they're two young guns that will come in and bring a lot to the team."

Abigail Roache - Cowboys

She's not so much a new face but Abigail Roache is primed for a new role in 2026. The departure of Kirra Dibb has seen Roache shift from centre to five-eighth and the early signs suggest it will be a smooth transition.

A skilled athlete who is a regular in the Kiwi Ferns team, Roache has been tipped to develop into a dynamic running five-eighth. 

"Abi's always been a gun on the edge but with her hands on the ball more it will be beneficial to our team," lock Bree Chester said. "She'll play six, but we still know she can play on the edge if we need her to. We can put her anywhere and she'll be a strong player."

Kasey Reh - Dragons

Another young gun who has made the successful transition from State of Origin Under 19 to the NRLW, Kasey Reh is set to take control of the Dragons attack in 2026. 

The off-season departure of veteran Raecene McGregor has seen coach Nathan Cross throw the keys to Reh and the niece of former Manly stars Brett and Glenn Stewart has been backed to deliver this season.

"She's already a leader in the group and she's so young," captain Brooke Anderson said. "I don't think she realises how good a player she is. She'll really come into her shoes this year."

Freedom Crichton Ropati - Eels

A development player for 2026 with a Top 24 contract for 2027 and 2028, the Eels have backed the junior star to deliver over the coming years.

Crichton Ropati was the player of the match in Parramatta's Tarsha Gale Cup grand final victory earlier this season and has been backed to develop into an NRLW and representative star. 

The cousin of Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton, Crichton Ropati is an 18-year-old winger with the ability to find the try line. 

"She's one of the young guns that have come through," captain Mahalia Murphy said. "She's had a cracker season so far, she's been playing well and training really well. 

"She's strong and so young, she has so much more potential to discover so I'm excited to see Freedom play."

Sidney Taylor - Knights

The latest in a long line of rugby sevens stars to make the transition to rugby league, Sidney Taylor will jump straight into the centres in her debut season. 

The 23-year-old was a mainstay in the Australian sevens team throughout the past few years and the Knights hope she will be a game breaker in 2026. 

"Sidney's been playing in the centres for us since she's come over from sevens," captain Yasmin Meakes said. "I'm excited to see her play. 

"Another one is Amelia Pasikala, she's going to have a massive year. She's bought into our culture, her pre-season was one of the best I've seen and she was looking good in our trial match."

Lili Boyle - Raiders

An emerging lock who made her debut last season, the 21-year-old has spent the off-season developing physically to better handle the rigours of the NRLW. 

Initially signed to a development deal, Boyle has been added to the Top 24 and shapes as a key figure in the Raiders pack moving forward. 

"She was one our development players and got upgraded due to injuries," co-captain Zahara Temara said. "I'm expecting her to have a big year and for such a young girl, she's got a good head on her shoulders."

Aliyah Nasio - Roosters

Another emerging prop looking to make an impact up front, the Roosters have steadily increased Nasio's playing time since she made her debut in 2024. The front-rower featured in 12 games last season and is set to develop into a key player in the Roosters pack this year.

Nasio is still just 20 years old and has been tipped to enjoy a long, successful career if she continues on her current trajectory. 

"She's out for the first two games but she's been incredible at training," captain Isabelle Kelly said. "She's worked really hard in the off-season so I think she's shaping up to have a great year."

Madison Ashby - Sharks

Another rugby sevens star to transfer to the NRLW, this season marks a homecoming of sorts for Ashby. 

The versatile athlete played a key role in the Sharks Tarsha Gale Cup victory back in 2018 before shifting across to sevens. 

Now back in rugby league, Ashby has been tipped to hit the ground running this year. 

"She's going to be a good player," Cronulla coach Tony Herman said. "Rugby league was her first game. The fact she played Tarsha Gale for the Sharks and has now returned home is awesome. 

"We need to be patient, we've only had a few training sessions with her. She's challenging for a few different positions, can play centre, fullback, five-eighth but we don't want to put more pressure or expectations on her."

Phoenix-Raine Hippi - Titans

The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakout debut season in 2025, scoring nine tries in just seven games for the Titans.

A fleet-footed back with speed to burn, Hippi earned a Queensland debut during the recent State of Origin series. She has been named to start in the centres in Saturday's clash with the Roosters as she looks to build on a rookie campaign. 

"Keep an eye out for Phoenix," captain Georgia Hale said. "She's coming into her second year of NRLW. She's already lit up some big stages but the best is still to come."

Ivana Lauitiiti - Warriors

The daughter of Warriors legend Ali Lauiti'iti, Ivana made an instant impact last year when she scored a try on debut during Magic Round.

The emerging forward played in six games in the Warriors' return to the NRLW competition and capped a rapid rise when she turned out for the Kiwi Ferns in the Pacific Championships. 

The sky is the limit in 2026 and Lauitiiti is set to become a household name throughout the next few months.

Wests Tigers - Namoe Gesa

The teenager burst on to the scene north of the border with a stunning 2025 campaign that saw her help the Brisbane Tigers win both the Under 19 and senior QRL premierships. 

The performances saw the centre named in an emerging Maroons squad and earnt her a deal with the Wests Tigers. It didn't take Gesa long to impress her new teammates and an NRLW debut beckons this season.

"I'm excited to see someone like Namoe," Tigers skipper Kezie Apps said. "She plays in the centres, she's a young, strong player. Hopefully we get to see her play and shine, she's an up and comer that's going to be coming through."

The 2026 NRLW season kicks off on Thursday night when the Sharks host Newcastle at Ocean Protect Stadium. Kids go free with a paying adult, head to NRL.com/tickets to secure your seats today.