2024 Season Preview: Harvey Norman Women's Premiership

The Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership is set for it’s biggest season to date, serving as a genuine reserve grade competition for the NRLW.

With established stars, young guns and those looking to impress for their shot at the top flight, this year’s edition promises to be the most exciting yet.

Coach: Blake Cavallaro

Co-Captains: Sarahcen Oliver & Latisha Smythe

Last season: Grand Finalists (runners up)

Key recruits: With the benefit of an incredible junior pathways system that saw the Club win the Lisa Fiaola Cup undefeated and make the Tarsha Gale prelim, the Bulldogs have largely looked from within for this years' HNWP squad.

Shannon Muru returns from Parramatta and the Tongan international adds an element of experience to the side.

Season outlook: There’s plenty of optimism around Canterbury at the moment.

With an NRLW license granted for next season, plenty of players will be looking to make a good impression and secure their contracts. The side has been training for a while after a trial in January, and the communication is something the coaching staff has applauded. With players wanting to stay in the Bulldogs pathway and earn that shot, the stocks are high at the moment.

Players to watch: Latisha Smythe has been part of the program since 16 and she’s shown tremendous ability throughout that period. A lock-forward or prop, she owns the middle and will aim up. Pauline Suli-Ruka is coming off an ASSRL campaign as a hard-hitting lock. She’s only 18 but will push her claims for a regular spot in this side and higher honours down the track.

2024 expectations: The squad has shown a great competitive nature throughout the pre-season that has them confident in their chances. Coach Cavallaro is focused on a strong start to the season, something the Club has achieved throughout the junior pathways. The skill level has impressed and the hope is that the squad will be right in the race for the finals come the back end of the season.

The Bulldogs will kick off their Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership campaign at Belmore Sports Ground this Sunday against the Newcastle Knights (2:00pm).