How Vegas loss inspired England star to chase NRLW dream

England star Bella Sykes believes more of her international team-mates are set to join the NRLW after Rugby League World Cup 2026 as she continues her own bid for a contract this season.

Skyes, who is currently playing for Cronulla’s NSW Women’s Premiership team, was among more than 60 players to take part in the Harvey Norman Invitational in Wagga that coincided with last weekend's NRLW Magic Round.

One of four former Leeds Rhinos stars now playing in Australia, along with Cowboys back Fran Goldthorp, Knights playmaker Georgia Roche and Brisbane Norths prop Izzy Northrop, Skyes has long held an ambition to play in the NRLW.

However, last year’s 90-4 loss to the Jillaroos in Vegas convinced her to make the move ahead of the World Cup, in which England play in Perth against Wales on October 17 and Australia on October 24 before travelling to Wollongong to meet Fetu Samoa on October 30.

“Just reflecting on that game in Vegas, I was kind of in a position of how do I best prepare for the World Cup after seeing how strong Australia were,” said 21 year-old Sykes, who usually plays hooker or lock.

“I came to the decision that the only way to improve was to come out here and play competitive games week in and week out, and play alongside some really talented girls.

“I think it's really helped my game in terms of just having to compete hard each week and knowing that whoever you come up against it is going to be a tough game.

“I feel like I’m adapting to the physicality and the speed of the game. The game's really quick over here, so I’m just getting used to that.”

Despite the heavy defeat in Vegas, Sykes is confident that England will be competitive at RLWC26, as coach Stuart Barrow has introduced a number of emerging stars to his squad – headed by Wigan halfback Isabelle Rowe.

“We took a lot of lessons from that game against the Jillaroos, and I think we will definitely be stronger,” Skyes said.

“It really just highlighted the gap that there is between the Super League and NRLW, but I think the team that was selected for that game and the team that's going to be selected for the World Cup is going to look a hell of a lot different.

“There's a lot of young players coming through now that probably weren't ready when Vegas happened and are definitely more than ready now.

“I think we're going to see that next generation of English talent who will hopefully play competitive games for England, but then also push for an NRLW spot too.”

Goldthorp, Roche and Raiders secondrower Hollie-Mae Dodd were recruited by NRLW clubs after the last World Cup in 2022.

Paige Travis, who played last season for Parramatta, has been the only other English player to play in the world’s best female contact sports competition.

However, Skyes is hopeful of joining them and said the World Cup would be an opportunity for more English players to showcase their talents to NRLW scouts.

“Fran, Rochie and Hollie are setting the path for English girls over here and really showing the talent that there is back home,” she said.

“They’re established NRLW players now, which is amazing, so hopefully I can try and follow.

"It's always been my dream from the start of playing footy to eventually get that NRLW contract, and I'm hopefully taking some steps in the right direction.

“I genuinely believe that there's so many girls playing in the Super League, and playing for England, who are more than capable of being in an NRLW system.

“They've just got to put themselves out there and I think the World Cup is going to really showcase that and give girls the opportunity to be seen. Hopefully opportunities in the NRLW will then come for them.”