The Bulldogs family will continue to grow in 2025, with the inaugural NRLW squad given another boost as aunty-niece duo Shaniece Monschau and Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau put pen to paper.
Mainstays in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership campaign this year, Shaquaylah – signed until the end of 2026 - and Shaniece – signed until the end of 2025 - were both key figures for the Bulldogs, playing vital roles in the side’s late charge towards the finals.
Shaquaylah, a young half with the ability to play hooker, took ownership of the side’s no.6 jersey. She has since ascended through the Club’s pathways system after starting the season in the Tarsha Gale Cup.
Shaniece, a forward with the ability to play anywhere in the pack, was a constant in the Bulldogs’ starting side in her first year at the Club, impressing high-performance staff with her work ethic both on and off the field.
The acquisitions are another nod to the Bulldogs’ proud reputation as The Family Club, with the pair also joined by Shaquaylah’s younger sister Lahnayah Daniel, having been elevated from the Lisa Fiaola Cup to the Tarsha Gale Cup for 2025.
NRLW Head Coach Blake Cavallaro says he is looking forward to overseeing the pair’s development as they continue their ascension alongside one another.
We have seen over the Club’s proud history how much of an impact family ties have had, and it’s really pleasing to see another family sign on for our inaugural NRLW squad
“Shaquaylah handled the open-age competition with distinction and she will have a great opportunity to learn her trade under Tayla Preston and Ash Quinlan over the next few years, which will be great for her progression in our program.
“Shaniece has shown plenty of resilience after overcoming injuries to cement a spot in our Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership side and showed plenty of consistency at that level.
“She has the ability to play both in the middle and out wide, which is going to help the balance of our squad and bring further competition for those starting positions.”
Following a whirlwind twelve months, which saw the trio relocate from New Zealand, Shaniece expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to don the Blue and White at NRLW level.
“The Bulldogs have offered so much support,” she said.
“We came here last November and the support they gave to help house us has been incredible. They’ve been so amazing and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”
Meanwhile, for Shaquaylah, the chance to play alongside her aunty in the top-grade is what has her excited most for 2025.
“We’ve had heaps of support from the Club; access to the facilities, we’ve played a heap of home games at Belmore and got to experience the crowds. It’s been great at the Bulldogs so far,” she said.
I’m really grateful, privileged and excited. The possibility of being able to debut alongside each other too, that makes it even more special.
The Bulldogs would like to congratulate both Shaniece and Shaquaylah on their elevation into the NRLW squad in 2025 and look forward to their continued progression in the Blue and White for the coming season.
