Two CRRL Juniors secure Raiders NRLW Development Squad spots
Goulburn Junior Madyson Tooth and Queanbeyan Blue Uta Uatisone Poka have been announced as members of the Canberra Raiders NRLW development squad for the 2025 season.
Tooth has been a part of the Canberra Region Rugby League system since the age of 15 and has consistently worked her way through the grades.
The damaging outside back was a member of the Canberra Raiders Tarsha Gale Squad in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, before returning to the Goulburn City Bulldogs to play in the Katrina Fanning Shield.
NRLW Head Coach Darren Borthwick commented on the importance of recruitment through the local competitions when the development announcement was made earlier this year.
"The clear message is that we are always looking and we want to be able to recruit from our own area and that’s another good example that if you go away and you work hard, you can get recognised again," Borthwick said.
Tooth has also represented the Monaro Colts on 11 occasions and her selection in the NRLW squad highlights the strength of the Colts program and the Katrina Fanning Shield in providing young footballers in the region an opportunity.
"CRRL congratulates Madyson on her selection as part of the NRLW Development squad, her story is one of persistence, determination, ability and having a great belief that she could make the top grade," CRRL General Manager Mark Vergano said.
Uatisone Poka’s journey contrasts Tooths with the 18-year-old being selected off the back of an impressive Tarsha Gale season earlier this year.
A Queanbeyan Blue junior since the age of 11, Uta highlights the pathway available for young girls in the region who aspire to play NRLW.
Borthwick was impressed with Uatisone Poka’s Tasha Gale season and believes that the opportunity to train with the NRLW squad will improve her football.
"At such a young age, I only think she’s going to benefit as well being in our system, … I wouldn’t be going down that road if I didn’t think a player like Uta was ready to be thrown into this environment."
The rangy backrower will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the competition, including origin players Simaima Taufa and Sophie Holyman.
Vergano believes that her selection is indicative of the opportunities available for young girls in the CRRL pathway.
"Uta's selection represents the opportunities available to all young girls and women who commit to the CRRL pathway, her performances locally and at Tarsha Gale level have been recognised and her selections should act as an incentive for all local female players coming through the system."
