‘I’m hoping we can leave a legacy’: Why Jillaroos stars made the big call to move to Canberra

The NRLW’s signing spree has continued, with the Raiders making a big splash by confirming they’ve lured Simaima Taufa, Zahara Temara and Monalisa Soliola to the nation’s capital.

The trio represent the first three signings for the Green Machine, which will join the NRLW this year as part of an expanded 10-team competition.

Taufa is the biggest get for the Raiders after leading Parramatta to the NRLW grand final last year and then winning the World Cup with the Jillaroos.

“It’s really exciting to be here, it’s so surreal. To be a part of the first ever NRLW team for the Raiders, it’s an honour in itself to be chosen to be a part of the club and part of the team,” said Taufa, who has also started a job with the club in football operations.

“It’s just really exciting to be a part of a club that really gets behind their women’s program and every program they are associated with.

“To have an inaugural team that creates many opportunities and pathways for every young female player is pretty exciting to be a part of.

“I’m hoping we can leave a legacy where every Canberra girl that wants to play for this club and do this region proud, and I’m really excited to take the field and be part of a team that’s ready to represent the state and the community.”

Player movement is going to be one of the biggest talking points this season in the NRLW, with four new clubs and an increased salary cap creating opportunities like never before for female players.

The Raiders are one of four new clubs to enter the competition and are expected to announce more signings in the coming days, with other major news from around the NRLW expected to drop this week, including the 2023 draw.

“It’s massive, now that we can finally talk about these girls, it’s been a long process. I’m really excited for the three girls that have committed here, they are good players and they are good people,” Raiders NRLW coach Darrin Borthwick said.

“It’s really exciting for the community that we now know who is coming here and we can start to get really excited about the NRLW season.

“Simaima obviously plays at the highest level with the Jillaroos, she’s also played Origin for a long time.

“Not only is she a good player, she’s a great person off the field. Her leadership qualities are something that for an inaugural team will be very valuable for us.

“Monalisa is a young player coming through, she’s very skilful. She’s a good person as well, that’s part of the criteria for this team that we are building is that we have good quality people and they happen to be good players as well.

“Zahara is similar to Simaima, probably just a bit quieter on the way she does things. She’s a good player and she’s created some good leadership qualities over the years as well, so that’s something I’ll be looking forward to what Zahara can bring to us. She’ll be good for us on and off the field as well.”