The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ inaugural NRLW squad has continued to build with the addition of young duo Hope Millard and Elizabeth MacGregor for the 2025 season.
Millard, a member of the Illawarra Steeler’s 2023 Premiership-winning Tarsha Gale Cup side and now Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership squad, is also a NSW Under 19’s State of Origin player having represented in the side earlier this year.
Millard’s connection to the Family Club is a close one, with her father Shane having held roles in the Bulldogs pathways and Academy programs before signing with the St George Illawarra Dragons in recruitment.
Bulldogs Head of Pathways Adam Hartigan knows the Millard family well, highlighting Hope’s work ethic as what attracted the Bulldogs to her game:
“Hope is a workhorse,” he said.
She is a great defender who pushes up in support and doesn’t stop. She certainly has all the requirements of Bulldogs DNA in her game.
Millard offers great reliability across the park, with the capability to play in the front row, lock or at hooker. Her youth and ability to cover multiple positions will provide good depth and opportunity for the Club’s inaugural squad.
Much like Millard, Elizabeth MacGregor offers great utility value for the incumbent side.
MacGregor, a NSWCC Schoolgirls representative in 2023, was personally identified by Head Coach Blake Cavallaro in Parkes, NSW as a 15-year-old.
Despite being just 18 years old, Cavallaro believes the fledgling fullback will have plenty of impact on the Club’s inaugural NRLW squad.
“Elizabeth is six-foot, she’s fast and she’s athletic,” Cavallaro said.
“She can play anywhere between fullback, wing and centre and her arrival to the squad will help to inject a spark that will positively influence her teammates.”
The 2023 Schoolgirls representative sadly missed the 2024 competition due to injury but the Club’s new NRLW Head Coach was full of faith in her ability: “I know future representative honours will come,” he said.
The Bulldogs congratulate Millard and MacGregor on earning their NRLW squad selections and look forward to welcoming them to the Club for the 2025 pre-season.
