Tavarna Papalii, Aliyah Nasio, and Imogen Hei have all reaffirmed their commitment to the Sydney Roosters NRLW team for the upcoming 2024 season. Tavarna Papalii, recognized as one of the most promising young halfbacks, has extended her contract for three more years, lasting until the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Tavarna Papalii, who showcased her talent by earning the Player of the Match title in the 2023 Tarsha Gale Cup final, unfortunately suffered an ACL and MCL injury at the 2023 Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League 18 Years National Championships. This occurred a year after she captained the Australian Schoolgirls side.
Joining her is 17-year-old Aliyah Nasio, who has committed to a two-year contract covering the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Aliyah Nasio, recognized as an outstanding forward, received the Best Forward award for the Central Coast Roosters Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership team earlier this year, continuing to advance through the club’s pathways system.
Additionally, Imogen Hei’s contract has been extended for two more years until the end of 2025. The hooker, who progressed through the Roosters Queensland Academy and played for the Club’s Tarsha Gale Cup side in 2023, is considered one of the game’s emerging talents.
Roosters NRLW Head Coach, John Strange, expressed enthusiasm about the trio, stating, “In their own right, Tavarna, Aliyah, and Imogen are really exciting prospects, and it’s great to welcome them into our NRLW squad after watching them progress via the lower grades.” Despite injuries sidelining Tavarna and Aliyah, the coach is optimistic about their return to the field next year. He also highlighted Imogen’s promising development, considering her an up-and-coming talent in the game.
