Top 20 players to watch as the WWRL season kicks off - Part 1

Round one kicks off on Saturday, September 14 with six clubs in action across three locations.

In the lead-up we've highlighted 20 players across the competition who could prove crucial for their tam's chances of getting their hands on the trophy on November 16.

It's been a busy 12 months for Kiara Sullivan across multiple codes.

After another standout campaign with Vipers in 2023 she was named in the Western Rams squad and then moved straight into the winter season where she laced up the boots for both Wellington Cowboys in league tag and Wellington Redbacks in rugby union, earning Central West and NSW Country representative honours in the latter.

She played fullback for Vipers last year but has also spent time in the halves and in the centres and will once again be key to their attack.

From one fullback to another.

Tiana Anderson was sensational in the number one jersey for Panorama as they surged to another WWRL title.

Like many on this list she has dual-code experience, playing for Bathurst Bulldogs and NSW Country in 2023.

The Lithgow product will once again pose an attacking threat for opposition defences as evidenced by her hat-trick in the 2023 grand final.

Little was known about Sharpley when she arrived from Walgett last season. It didn't take her long to make her presence felt on the field, though.

A powerful ball-runner who brings plenty of energy and physicality, Sharpley was one of the finds of the 2023/24 season.

Now a little more accustomed to the tackle format of the game, Sharpley could be a key part of what is expected to be a powerful Goannas forward pack.

Another NSW Country alumni to appear on this list.

Plummer is perhaps better known for her performances for Dubbo Kangaroos, helping them win back-to-back Westfund Ferguson Cups.

She predominately played five-eighth for the Dragons in 2023 and forms a formidable spine alongside Alahna Ryan at lock, captain Kristen Robison and fullback Alyssa Shoulders.

A former NSW under 19 State of Origin star, Baker wasn't planning on playing footy when she returned to Orange from Newcastle in 2023.

But after a handful of player of the match performances for Vipers, she seemed to have rediscovered her groove with Rams and NSW Country selection soon following.

She'll loom once again as a physical presence and has the added responsibilities of captain-coaching the side in 2024, taking over from Ryan Prevett.

Panorama's 2023 rookie of the year is back for another bout.

In her first year of rugby league, the winger certainly didn't look out of place, slotting into the defending premiers' starting line-up.

Tillburg's rise continued as she was elevated to the Western Rams team for the Country Championships before once again playing league tag for Bathurst Panthers.

Gracie Canham burst onto the scene in 2023 with her performances attracting the attentions of one of the biggest rugby league clubs in the world.

The teenager was subsequently signed by South Sydney Rabbitohs for the 2024 Tarsha Gale Cup season.

A power forward, her trademark charges forward even saw her go viral after Souths posted a reel of her taking several defenders over the line.

One half of Bathurst's star sibling duo, Xanthe Booth once again looms as a key cog in the mighty Platypi spine.

She's represented Western Rams twice and has also been a mainstay of the successful Bathurst Bulldogs rugby union team.

It's hard to argue their spine combination with Booth at hooker, Sarah Colman at halfback and Anderson at fullback isn't the best in the competition.

There's an argument to be made Alicia Earsman is the soul of this Woodbridge team, consistently good and a born leader.

She also returns to the WWRL as something of a marquee after being named the 2024 National Championships player of the year for her performances for NSW Country.

Put her in the side every week and Woodbridge has a good chance of making finals after missing out by a solitary point in 2023.

Mason-Spice was tearing up the field for the Goannas last season just months after giving birth. It was quite the achievement.

The former Australian rugby union squad member quickly proved herself a real force in the 13-player code as well and settled into a back-row role at the Goannas last season.

Mason-Spice was almost impossible to stop from close range last season as she crashed over for tries from close range and she almost always looked a class above with ball in hand.

Expect more of the same this season.