Titans NRLW team and 2022 Draw

[Hail Sezer]

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2022/...nings-tracker/

Tiana Raftstrand-Smith, Tazmin Gray and Laikha Clarke all re-signed.

Good to see we're locking in most of the best young local talent. It was under recognised by the commentators how many local 18/19 year old players we had playing for most of last year (mostly bc Ruan Sims does zero due diligence before jumping on the mic) and I'm looking forward to their continued development heading into '23.

[lonegull]

Raftstrand Smith looking forward to watching her game develop she was very impressive last year and I didn't realise her age she has a big future and will be a star of the game

[Hail Sezer]

Raftstrand Smith looking forward to watching her game develop she was very impressive last year and I didn't realise her age she has a big future and will be a star of the game

Yeah she's only just turned 19 last week, big future. Her younger sister is at Keebra and very talented too, part of the Titans development system.

Just to illustrate my last post, these players all played in the semi vs the Dragons this year (age):

Tiana RS (18)
Hailey-Jay Maunsell (18)
Jetaya Faifua (18)
Jasmine Peters (19)
Destiny Brill (18)
April Ngatapuna (19)

+Laikha Clarke was named as 18th (20)

So far we've re-signed all of them except for Brill.

[Dobes]

Transgender women banned from playing Rugby League on the international stage. Common sense prevails. Hopefully the NRLW adopts this as well.

[Bayside Titan]

Article saying the NRLW squad is complete.


Titans NRLW Signings Tracker: Talented trio joins Gold Coast NRLW stocks

Author
Titans.com.au
Timestamp
Thu 23 Jun 2022, 06:45 AM
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Welcome to the Gold Coast Titans' Signings Tracker for the upcoming 2022 season.

Three fresh faces will join the Gold Coast Titans 2022 NRLW campaign, with Apii Nicholls, Rona Peters and Annette Brander all signing on with the club.

Nicholls brings a wealth of experience, with the 29-year-old having represented the Kiwi Ferns seven times at the international level.


The talented outside back can fill a number of positions and has previously also represented the Cook Islands in rugby sevens.

Nicholls previously has played at NRLW level with the New Zealand Warriors.

She'll be joined in the Titans squad by Peters, with the ball-playing forward also signing on for 2022.

2019 NRLW tackle of the year 2019 NRLW tackle of the year

2019 NRLW tackle of the year
The talented front rower brings big game experience, having played in NRLW grand final wins with the Broncos and at the representative level. The 34-year-old has played for Queensland at Origin level and has also represented the Maori All Stars.

Brander is another that will bolster the Titans young squad with her significant experience.

Having represented Australia and Queensland and also having won an NRLW premiership, the second rower will be a valuable piece of the Titans playing roster.

https://twitter.com/gctitans/status/...FQSfIcw6GOhMoQ

[Hail Sezer]

Even with the loss of Brill and Power, the 2023 squad looks much stronger than last season IMO. Plenty more depth in the outside backs and the bench spots will be heavily contested as well. Curtain coming into the halves will tighten up that edge and I anticipate Tiana RS will move to the backrow permanently.

If Apii Nicholls is still anything like back in 2020 then she should slot straight in at fullback and will be a good mentor for Faifua. Anticipate Pelite and Peters will be first choice in the centres but the wing spots have some competition with Bartlett/Brown/Maunsell/Mosby.

Looking forward to watching the 2023 season with the new teams.

[Bayside Titan]

NRLW NEWS
Meet our NRLW squad

Author
Titans.com.au
Timestamp
Thu 23 Jun 2022, 04:06 PM
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Fresh from finishing just short of a maiden grand final berth, the Gold Coast Titans are ready and raring to go for their second season in the NRLW.

Seven fresh faces join 16 Titans from the club's debut season, to be steered by Queensland and Australian legend Karyn Murphy who has joined as the Gold Coast's director of female rugby league.


An initial 23 player squad has been assembled - see below to meet your Gold Coast Titans for the new season ahead.

Madison Bartlett
As the leading try scorer in NRLW season 2021, Bartlett is sure to add some strike to the Titans backline. The New Zealand international scored six tries in six matches for the St George Illawarra Dragons on the wing last season.


Annette Brander
Brander is another experienced head that will bolster the Titans young squad with her time on the big stage. The Sunshine Coast junior has represented Australia and Queensland and has also won an NRLW premiership in her time with the Broncos. Expect the edge forward will be a valuable piece of the Titans playing roster as she returns to the NRLW fray.


Brittany Breayley-Nati
The former Queensland and Jillaroos rake brings plenty of experience to the Titans side. Brittany Breayley-Nati was the Titans inaugural NRLW Captain where she led the hard hitting team to a victory against the undefeated Brisbane Broncos and all the way to the semi finals. Breayley-Nati will be representing the Queensland Maroons before returning to the Gold Coast Titans for another epic season.


Kimi Breayley-Nati
Representing New Zealand at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, Kimi Breayley-Nati is no stranger to the big stage. The Kiwi Ferns International joined the Titans for the inaugural season where she added experience in the halves. Breayley-Nati will be looking to bring home a premiership trophy for the Titans in their second NRLW season.


Karina Brown
The experienced campaigner knows what it takes to succeed in the top grade. Brown was the 2021 Veronica White Medallist and Gold Coast Titans Community Award winner. The speedy back has been a regular for Queensland over the last decade and was a mainstay in the title-winning 2013 and 2017 Rugby League World Cup Jillaroos squads. Brown will be looking to push beyond the 2021 semi-final appearance and is hungry to take the Titans to the top.



Lauren Brown
A former representative in the W-League and Rugby Union, Brown was part of the Maroons’ State Of Origin victory over New South Wales in the last two seasons, and was also part of the Broncos’ NRLW grand final victory in 2020. Brown’s versatility and poise can see her fill a range of positions including hooker and joins the Titans as one of the club’s two marquee signings.


Zara Canfield
Young Zara Canfield is another prospect who made her NRLW debut in the inaugural Titans season. The second rower has had great opportunities to learn and grow her game and under the guidance of Karyn Murphy will further develop her game.


Emily Curtain
Making her NRLW debut against the Titans during the 2021 season, Emily Curtain would go on to play three times for the Parramatta Eels, before shifting north for the 2022 season. Primarily a five-eighth, Curtain has one NRLW try to her name, coincidently against her new club.


Jessika Elliston
Titans' player of the year for the 2021 season Jessika Elliston, will be returning to the Gold Coast Titans. Making the switch from the edge to being a key impact middle forward, 24-year-old Elliston is excited to continue her barnstorming form into the club's second season in the expanded competition, especially under the guise of new head coach Karyn Murphy and assistant Matt Geyer.


Jetaya Faifua
The teen live-wire is lightning fast at just 19-years-old. Faifua will be representing Queensland in the Women's State of Origin Under 19 clash before returning to the Titans for the 2022 season. Playing at both fullback and on the wing, Faifua has speed to burn and will be looking to further build on her maiden season.


Tazmin Gray
A veteran in the representative arena despite being just 26 years old, Gray will again add plenty of potency to the Titans pack. After missing two games through suspension last season, Gray will be determined to have a big impact in her second season on the Coast.



Georgia Hale
Hale showed her versatility last season, playing across a number of positions.The New Zealand international is one of the most experienced players in the Titans side and at just 26-years of age, brings plenty of energy to the side. Hale captained the Tweed Seagulls in the QRLW and averaged 120 running metres and 40 tackles a game. Away from rugby league, she is a former Veronica White medallist and the 2020 Young New Zealander of the Year.


Steph Hancock
An absolute pioneer for women's rugby league and Queensland's favourite daughter. Hancock stepped out of retirement to join the Gold Coast Titans for the the inaugural season where she scored four tries and won the Members' MVP award. The former Jillaroos captain made her International debut in 2003, winning multiple World Cups in the green and gold as well appearing 16 times for Queensland, winning the 2020 Women's State of Origin. This year she will be representing Queensland Maroons for her 17th time before returning to the Titans for another season.

Steph Hancock in action for Queensland.
Steph Hancock in action for Queensland.
Shannon Mato
A former Queensland Reds and Wallaroos player, Mato transitioned to rugby league in 2020 where she made her NRLW and Queensland Origin debut. She's starred for the Maori All Stars and will step out for Queensland in this years Ampol State of Origin. The dual-code star made her debut for the Gold Coast Titans where she spent the last half of the season out on injury. Mato will be stepping out for the Titans in the 2022 season hungry for redemption.


Hagiga Mosby
Mosby was new to the NRLW in the 2021 season, debuting with the Brisbane Broncos before joining the Titans for the new season. The 22-year-old is a former Australian Rugby Sevens and Queensland Junior Touch Football representative. A talented and exciting outside back, Mosby is also studying a Bachelor of Education outside of football.


April Ngatupuna
A young gun, an exciting rugby league prospect and the Gold Coast Titans inaugural Women's Rookie of the Year. April Ngatupuna is part of the Queensland Under 19 team for this season where she will further develop her skills before returning to the Titans. The barnstorming prop forward made her NRLW debut in the 2021 season and proved herself to be a strong up and coming player within the women's competition.


Apii Nicholls
Nicholls brings a wealth of experience to the Titans, with the 29-year-old having represented the Kiwi Ferns seven times at the international level. The talented outside back can fill a number of positions and has previously also represented the Cook Islands in rugby 7s as well as with the Warriors NRLW side.


Evania Pelite
An Olympic gold medallist, Evania Pelite joins the Gold Coast Titans after standing on the top of the podium at the 2016 Rio Olympics with the Australian Rugby Sevens side. She was also part of the silver medal-winning team at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Off the field, she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2017 for her contribution to sport. Pelite will be playing in the Ampol Women's State of Origin for the Queensland Maroons before returning to the Gold Coast Titans for another NRLW season.


Jasmine Peters
From Mackay, 19-year-old Jasmine Peters was electrifying for the Gold Coast Titans in the 2021 NRLW competition, scoring four tries through her five game season she made her presence felt. Her good form earned the North Queensland young gun selection in the Queensland Under 19 side at fullback and can't wait to come back to the Gold Coast Titans for another season.


Hailee-Jay Maunsell
Maunsell made her way from the Future Titans system into the inaugural NRLW season, playing four games on the wing and scoring a massive two tries for the club. At 18-years of age, Maunsell is yet another young prospect that will be looking to represent the Titans long term. The young gun will be representing New Zealand before returning for her second NRLW season.


Rona Peters
The talented front rower brings big game experience, having played in NRLW grand final wins with the Broncos and at the representative level. The 34-year-old has played for Queensland at Origin level and has also represented the Maori All Stars. Known for her bone-rattling hits, she’ll surely be a wrecking ball for the Titans in the new season.


Tiana Raftstrand-Smith
A young and skilful utility, Tiana Raftstrand-Smith made her Origin debut at just 18 years of age last season. Going to school at Keebra Park SHS, Raftstrand-Smith has played club footy with Parkwood Sharks and made her NRLW debut with the Gold Coast Titans for our inaugural season. The New Zealand-born up-and-comer has secured a position in the Queensland Maroons and will prove herself as a force to be reckoned with in the 2022 NRLW season.

[Boonarga]

Really strong squad. Hanging for this season to start. If you haven’t watched them play yet, try at least once. You’ll be hooked.

[Hail Sezer]

Jetaya Faifua, Jasmine Peters and April Ngatapuna featuring for QLD U19's tonight.

Kickoff 5:45pm on Kayo/Foxtel/9Now

[ozynorts]

Really strong squad. Hanging for this season to start. If you haven’t watched them play yet, try at least once. You’ll be hooked.

Agree 100% mate, really enjoy watching them play.

[lonegull]

Really strong squad. Hanging for this season to start. If you haven’t watched them play yet, try at least once. You’ll be hooked.

Yeah mate not wrong their the skill level is getting better and what’s good no bloody wrestle in the ruck free flowing game to watch

[The Birdman]

Brill signs with the Roosters
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.esp...3fplatform=amp

[DIEHARD]

Titans confirm NRLW squad with key signing on eve of pre-season
https://www.titans.com.au/news/2022/...of-pre-season/

The final piece of the puzzle has been added with Māori All Stars representative Roxy Murdoch the latest recruit added to the Gold Coast Titans’ NRLW squad ahead of the 2022 season.

The 24th and final player to be part of Karyn Murphy's top squad, Murdoch will bolster the forward pack after two games with the Brisbane Broncos at the start of the year, before opting to head down the M1 and join the Titans for the brand new campaign which kicks off on Sunday, August 21.

The 29-year-old also has overseas experience with stints abroad in the Super League in England, playing for St Helens and Warrington in 2018-2020.

Murdoch is not the only late addition to the side with six development players confirmed to join the main squad this season.

Tweed Seagulls duo Brooke Saddler and Chantay Kiria-Ratu both return to the Coast, joining fresh faces Lily-Rose Kolc, Felila Kia, Georgina Tuita'alili and Sophie Butler who will all form part of the extended line-up.

On the eve of the first day of pre-season, new Titans coach Murphy can't wait to begin working with her new side which is largely unchanged from last season's playoff-making outfit.

"We’ve put together a really exciting squad and obviously the team did a great job last season, so we’ve kept a high number of those girls and also recruited really well," the former Queensland and Jillaroos captain said.

"I’m really excited with the squad we’ve put together."

The Titans will spend the next month preparing for the upcoming season before travelling to Wollongong for Round 1 against the St George-Illawarra Dragons.

The 2022 NRLW season is not far away and the Titans are aiming for grand final glory after coming so close in their inaugural season. Show your support with a NRLW membership - on sale now ready for '22!

2022 Gold Coast Titans squad
Madison Bartlett, Annette Brander, Brittany Breayley-Nati, Kimi Breayley-Nati, Karina Brown, Lauren Brown, Zara Canfield, Emily Curtain, Jessika Elliston, Jetaya Faifua, Tazmin Gray, Georgia Hale, Steph Hancock, Shannon Mato, Hagiga Mosby, Roxy Murdoch, April Ngatupuna, Apii Nicholls, Evania Pelite, Jasmine Peters, Rona Peters, Tiana Raftstrand-Smith, Sophie Butler (dev), Felila Kia (dev), Chantay Kiria-Ratu (dev), Lily-Rose Kolc (dev), Brooke Saddler (dev), Georgina Tuita'alili (dev).

[DIEHARD]

'It's a new challenge, but I'm excited': Murphy begins new role as NRLW pre-season commences
https://www.titans.com.au/news/2022/...son-commences/

There was a huge smile on Karyn Murphy's face stepping into Titans HQ on Monday, officially beginning her reign as the club's new director of female rugby league.

Not only tasked with coaching the club's NRLW side to hopeful premiership glory, the former Queensland and Jillaroos great will also be integral in the identification and development of talent across grassroots, schools from Logan to Lismore.

Ending her tenure with the NRL's Integrity Unit, the champion playmaker is bursting with energy to get going in her new full-time role.

"I’m really excited to join the Titans. It’s a really exciting time in women’s rugby league and the NRLW," Murphy said.

"I watched last season and I’m really keen to be part of it.

"It'll definitely be a new challenge for myself where I'm at, but the opportunity came up here and I'm really excited."

Finalising the top 24 squad on Sunday ahead of the first day of pre-season, the new Titans NRLW is glad to have kept a majority of last season's side, given the success had in the inaugural campaign.

"They did a really good job last season, so we wanted to keep a high number of those players," Murphy said.

"We got 16 back out of the 24 from last season, and we are just looking obviously to the future as well (with the six development players added), so there's a really good blend of youth and experience in our squad.

"It's good to have the girls that played here last season and for a lot of staff including myself, we're all new here, so we'll lean on those girls to to tell us a bit about what happened last season.

"It's good to have that experience there from last season, but a new season sees a new group and we're looking forward to it."

That includes marquee signing Lauren Brown as a great asset in the halves, who will pull on her hometown jersey after two seasons with the Broncos.

"With Lauren initially, she had obviously been at the Broncos for a couple of years and played in the No. 9 role there and she does offer that, but we were looking at building our halves up, so we brought Lauren into that role," Murphy said.

"She has a very good kicking game, probably the best in the in the women's comp and that will be a great asset."

Also joining the fray is former Melbourne Storm great Matt Geyer who comes to the club to assist the new NRLW mentor in coaching the side.

"I'm really looking forward to working with Matt," Murphy said.

"He's obviously got a huge wealth of experience - both as a player at the Melbourne Storm and and then as a coach as well and I'm really excited to have him with me."

Away from the NRLW team specifically, Murphy will be working in her new role to continue growing the nursery of female talent on the Gold Coast, working with schools, grassroots clubs and academy programs to transition more and more players into the NRLW system.

"With the new role I've got at the Titans, it's about identifying talent right through from the schools, to clubs and some academies, with the ultimate goal of playing here at NRLW level," Murphy said.

"It's really important because we've got such a huge talent pool here in our region and we really want to keep these girls local and give them a definite pathway for the future."

The Gold Coast Titans NRLW side will spend the next month preparing for Round 1 against the Dragons on Sunday, August 21 in Wollongong.

[DIEHARD]

Titans hold no fear for second season of NRLW
https://www.titans.com.au/news/2022/...eason-of-nrlw/

As the Titans NRLW side prepare for their second season in six months, the side hold no fear about how far they can go in their second run.

Led by new Coach, and Director of Female Rugby League, Karyn Murphy, the Titans were the only new side to make the finals in the 2021 season and have their eyes on a bigger prize in 2022.

The side has welcomed back majority of the inaugural squad and added some new spark with the likes of Lauren Brown, Rona Peters, Madison Bartlett and Emily Curtain, amongst others.

The squad commenced training last week and finished week one with an army-style training camp focused on building mental toughness and resilience within the group.

Murphy said the camp was a way to fast track squad cohesion.

"We have got a new group with a very short pre-season this time around, so I wanted to bring the group together as quick as I could, and we thought an overnight camp with Testing Limits Together would be of great benefit for the season ahead," Murphy said.

"We had about 22 hours together and it was jam-packed with a lot of challenges, but we definitely achieved our goal of the bonding side but also building that mental toughness."

Friday saw a number of team building exercises, with the group put through their paces at Tallebudgera Creek until late in the evening.

Day two then started with a 5am wake-up as the camp continued to test the squads physical and mental toughness, before finishing by conquering the 10-metre platform at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

Led by Murphy, who has a fear of heights, the squad each took their turn to take a leap of faith off the high board

"I am actually one of those ones that has a fear of heights - I don't go anywhere near the edge of cliff or anything like that," Murphy said.

"I watched April (Ngatupuna), who took about 16 minutes on the five-metre board (to jump).

"We spoke about team first and when she took the leap, it was huge for her and the team and I couldn't say no from there."

So having conquered their fear of the high-board and now taken charge of the clipboard and whistle, what does Murphy believe is possible for this group in 2022?

"I am really excited by the group that we have put together for this season - they are good people and good footballers," she said.

"We are only a week in but from what I have seen I think they will go well this year."