The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are delighted to announce the signing of Holli Wheeler, marking a significant addition to our roster for the inaugural NRLW season in 2025.
Holli, a formidable forward, has committed to a two-year deal with an option to extend into 2027, joining former Bulldogs teammate Tayla Preston as well as other recently announced recruits for the Club’s NRLW competition entry. Both Wheeler and Preston played pivotal roles in the Club’s 2023 Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership Team, with Wheeler honoured as Player of the Year and Preston receiving the Coaches Award.
Wheeler’s impact on the growth of women’s rugby league is unparalleled, defined by her career as an inaugural player for the St George Illawarra Dragons from 2018 through to 2022, followed by a season with the Cronulla Sharks in 2023. Known for her resilience, hard running style, and tough work ethic, Wheeler has also played at the games most premier level as a NSW State of Origin and Australian Jillaroo.
Wheeler will bring her wealth of experience and leadership to the Bulldogs and has already been a passionate advocate for the Club’s female pathways growth and development, adding a testimonial to our NRLW licence submission:
"As someone who has played at the highest level of women’s rugby league, I can confidently say that the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are more than ready for entry into the NRLW. It’s not just about the skills and resources; it’s about the culture and environment they’ve created.
“This club has the heart and soul to make their entry into the NRLW a success," Wheeler stated.
NRLW Head Coach Blake Cavallaro expressed his confidence in Wheeler’s leadership and commitment to the Bulldogs:
"Holli is a strong leader in the women’s game. She has played at the elite level for NSW and Australia and she has an inherent sense of what it means to be a Bulldog.
“I think she will bring out the Bulldogs values in all of the girls and I know she will lead from the front as a middle forward. She will bring hunger, passion, and pride to the Canterbury jersey and that is all I can ask of any of the women who wear the Bulldogs badge.
Wheeler will continue her NRLW journey with the Cronulla Sharks this year before joining the Bulldogs for the 2025 season.
With respect to Wheeler and her commitments for the 2024 NRLW season, the Bulldogs will refrain from further comment at this time. We eagerly anticipate her return to the Club and the impact she will make in the Blue and White.
