Posted by RLPA
Records tumble as players pick their Dream Team from the NRLW
The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is proud to announce the 2025 Players’ Dream Team – the best 14 players by their positions, as voted by NRLW players.
The 2025 Players’ Dream Team:
Fullback: Tamika Upton
Wingers: Taina Naividi, Payton Takimoana
Centres: Isabelle Kelly, Julia Robinson
Five-Eighth: Patricia Maliepo
Halfback: Tarryn Aiken
Props: Rima Butler, Otesa Pule
Hooker: Emma Manzelmann
Second Rowers: Yasmin Clydsdale, Kezie Apps
Lock: Olivia Kernick
Impact: Shalom Sauaso
Tarryn Aiken, the inspirational Sydney Roosters halfback, has made history by becoming the first NRLW player to feature in the Players’ Dream Team four times, and does so in consecutive years.
Despite only playing her first game of the season in Round 5, Tarryn imposed herself onto the NRLW competition immediately. Within just six games, Tarryn had amassed five tries, 12 try assists, seven linebreaks, and 12 linebreak assists to extend her side’s undefeated season.
Isabelle Kelly, Julia Robinson, Olivia Kernick and Yasmin Clydsdale all return to the Players’ Dream Team for the third time, the latter for her third appearance in a row. Wests Tigers veteran Kezie Apps makes her first-ever appearance in the Players’ Dream Team.
The experience of those players is contrasted with the selection of three Rookie of the Year finalists, Payton Takimoana and Patricia Maliepo, along with the Players’ Rookie of the Year Shalom Sauaso as the Impact Player.
Minor Premiers, the Roosters, dominate the Players’ Dream Team with six (6) players, while the Brisbane Broncos have three (3) and the New Zealand Warriors two (2).
“On behalf of the RLPA, I want to congratulate the 14 outstanding players who have been chosen by their peers in the 2025 Players’ Dream Team from the NRLW,” said Clint Newton OAM, CEO of the RLPA.
“These players have been exceptional throughout the 2025 NRLW season, proving their value and mastery every time they stepped onto the field. To be recognised by the very players you compete against is one of the greatest acknowledgements of all.
“The Players’ Dream Team is a special honour because it reflects the respect of fellow players. This group of players – along with every other NRLW player – not only showcased their talent across the season, but have driven another year of growth, quality and excitement for the women’s competition.”
“I want to pay a special acknowledgment to Tarryn Aiken who becomes the first NRLW player to feature in the Players’ Dream Team four times. To be selected four times in a row by the players is unheard of in the NRLW or NRL competition, and is proof of Tarryn’s exceptional skill and dominance on the competition over a long period of time. I also wish Tarryn the very best for her recovery.”
Most appearances in the Players’ Dream Team from the NRLW:
- 4 – Tarryn Aiken.
- 3 – Julia Robinson, Isabelle Kelly, Olivia Kernick, Yasmin Clydsdale
- 2 – Teagan Berry, Millie Boyle, Destiny Brill, Amber Hall, Annessa Biddle, Sarah Togatuki, Simaima Taufa, Tamika Upton, Emma Manzelmann, Otesa Pule
How the Players’ Dream Team voting works:
- Players are eligible for selection in a position they primarily played for the relevant season. This means a player cannot be eligible for selection in more than one position (excluding Impact Players, who can be eligible for an on-field position as well).
- Each player will be able to nominate a maximum of one player per position, out of the list of eligible players, however, are not able to vote for players on their current team.
- The player/s with the most votes for each position will be selected in the Players’ Dream Team.
- Voting is open to all contracted NRLW players.
All The Players’ Awards will be announced on Channel 9 on the following dates:
- October 2: The Players’ Champion from the NRL and NRLW
