If anyone thought Wests Tigers Raecene McGregor was on fire in Magic Round, then they will be eagerly awaiting the star halfback lining up against her former club St George Illawarra on Sunday.
McGregor dazzled the Sharks in the 32-20 win in Wagga Wagga with two line breaks, two try assists, and a double herself along with four goals to give her a club record haul of 16 points.
"It’s so good having someone like Rae, who just runs with that ball,” Tigers fullback Caitlin Turnbull told NRL.com.
“She has people falling off her no matter which direction she takes. There’s always inside shoulders she finds or opening up plays on the outside as well.
“Having someone like her on the team is outstanding.
“Obviously I’m still learning fullback – it’s my first full year in the position – but I’m learning so much from Rae.
NRLW Best Moments – Round 5
“I just stay off her hip and work with her – I am loving it.”
McGregor finished her 2025 season at the Dragons prematurely, when work and personal commitments caused some upheaval between her and the club.
“The year didn’t end the way I wanted it to at the Dragons,” she told NRL.com earlier this year.
But incoming Wests Tigers coach Craig Sandercock saw the value in the 2022 Dally M winner.
Skipper and fellow Dally M winner Kezie Apps has a close-up view of McGregor’s skills since they both work the Wests Tigers right edge.
“Rae showed her little magic (in Wagga Wagga) with her footwork, show-and-goes. She’s just an incredible player,” Apps said.
“Just her as a player and how hard she’s worked in the pre-season... her leadership has been amazing and directing us around the park.
“It’s definitely what we needed at the Wests Tigers – somebody like that.”
Turnbull is into her second NRLW season and played mainly on the wing last year before moving into the custodian role this year.
She felt the pain of 2025 when the Wests Tigers enjoyed just one win in 11 games. But she’s been a major part of the revival in 2026 with her kick return metres, tackle busts and her staunch defence.
After winning the opening two rounds, the Wests Tigers had back-to-back 40-point losses to the Broncos and Roosters before returning to the winners’ circle against the Sharks.
“It’s really pleasing. We had those two losses which were hefty but it’s so good to comeback and get a win against a good side like Cronulla,” Turnbull said.
All about that Bass!
“We’re on the rise here. We only won one match last year – we’re now up to three – but our principles mean the girls get around each other and everyone is working hard.
“It’s only up from here.”
Match: Dragons v Wests Tigers
Round 6 -
home Team
Dragons
10th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
6th Position
Venue: St George Venues Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
