Over the 15 rounds of the Westpac Women’s Premiership, and the ANZAC Challenge, a team of the week was selected from the 5 premiership clubs, by the coaches/clubs of those teams based on their club’s 3/2/1 selection along with some input from the referee votes, when required.
71 players were selected at least once in the team of the week across the 16 weeks we played here in WA and there were some great players amongst those named.
This in no way will influence the Women’s Player Of The Year or Team of the Year votes.
But since we are at the end of the year, what would the Team look like if it was just based on the entries into the team of the week? We have a look at this now.
Be advised, we have tried to get the players with the most votes in the side. So have taken liberties as to where outside backs, and some forwards have fit into the squad. Its not perfect, but its at least got some justification.
Fullback – Sinead Loundes – Joondalup Giants – 5 Selections
We start with the fullback of the squad, and its the safe speedster who joined the Joondalup Giants this year. And Loundes has been an ultra consistent performer for the maroon and gold, showing off her speed, safe hands and ability to cover defend.
Notable Options – Ariana Ruru-Hinaki (3), Zion Taurima (3), Beth Norton (3), Zoe Gillard (3)
Wing – Tara McNally – Willagee Bears – 7 Selections
The ultra impressive wide-out from the Bears, Tara was one of the most able finishers in the competition this year. She dotted down for 13 tries, only being bettered by the flashing winger Tatyana Fisher from Ellenbrook. But McNally was ultra impressive, getting selected 7 times in 10 matches, which is hard to do, especially as a winger.
Wing – Ngamata Moekaa – Joondalup Giants – 5 Selections
Another impressive winger, Mata is a Cook Island international in Soccer, and shows all the footwork and hand eye coordination you would expect. With great balance and speed off the line to match, her 9 tries this season make her the Giants top try scorer.
Notable Options – Tatyana Fisher (4), Zion Taurima (3), Zoe Gillard (3), Rachel Lowndes (3)
Centre – Samantha Treherne – Ellenbrook Rabbitohs – 6 Selections
The flashy centre, with an amazing stop go that would make any pro player blush, is our first centre selected. The first year player for the Rabbitohs, has made them go up a level, with her ability to create chances out of nothing and score from anywhere.
Centre – Nina Rutene – Fremantle Roosters – 6 Selections
Nina is one of the better utility players going around. Comfortable at any position in the back line and in the backrow, she is a tough ball carrier and amazing defender. Fit and smart, she finds herself near the ball naturally and makes it look easy.
Notable Options – Adrienne Acker (4), Tatyana Fisher (4), Brianna Young (4), Alesha Foster (4), Zion Taurima (3), Zoe Gillard (3), Emysen Robinson (3)
Five-Eight – Mahinarangi Clair – Ellenbrook Rabbitohs – 8 Selections
An easy selection at 6, Clair really grew into her role as a ball player in 2025. Her best season so far in the halves, she is a devastating ball runner and rugged defender who hits like a front rower. A developing kicking game, Clair is continuing to get better as the years go on.
Notable Options – Shenae Gillmor-Spence (5), Caitlin Burt-Poloai (4), Beth Norton (3), Taylavie Frost-Kelemete (3).
Halfback – Kailey Thompson – Ellenbrook Rabbitohs – 7 Selections
The halfback with the most votes is also the competitions top scorer, and Kailey Thompson has been a standout this year. State Captain and one of the most dominant halves in the competition, her shootout with Burt-Poloai early on was an amazing matchup.
Notable Options – Shenae Gillmor-Spence (5), Caitlin Burt-Poloai (4), Beth Norton (3)
Prop – Naomi Tiumalu – Ellenbrook Rabbitohs – 4 Selections (9 Games)
Part of the massive forward rotation at the Ellenbrook side, and surrounded by some big names, Naomi has gone about her work in a business like fashion. And is being recognised by those around her. Powerful and capable of good minutes in the middle of the field, she is one of the first picked in the Ellenbrook pack.
Prop – Michelle-Grace Matiu – Joondalup Giants – 5 Selections
Michelle-Grace is one of the hardest working players you will ever meet. Starting off our wide as a winger, don’t let her diminutive height fool you. She has no fear and goes after the game every second that clock is ticking and has found a home in the middle of the field.
Notable Options – Naomi Tiumalu (4), Chanelle Edwards (3), Layna Nona Busch (3), Kea Daniels (3), Kahurangi Peters (3), Claudia Foster (3),
Hooker – Ruby Hodgson – Willagee Bears – 9 Selections
One of the two players on a massive 9 votes, Ruby is one of the most consistent and dangerous players in the competitions. Ultra fit, she pumps out full games in the middle of the field and is like the energiser bunny as she throws herself at everything that moves. An adept ball runner, she is always threatening defences with her scything runs. She was also 7 votes clear of the nearest hooker.
Notable Options – Macey Simpkins (2), Lulu Kanau (2), Zoe Podmore (2), Tyrah Parekura-Schirnack (2)
Second Row – Kateraina Horner – Fremantle Roosters – 9 Selections
The other player with a monster 9 points, Horner has a reputation for being the ultimate competitor. A fierce defender, with great pace and footwork, she could play out wide or through the middle of the field with no problems. One of the true superstars of our game.
Second Row – Aliyah Grey – Ellenbrook Rabbitohs – 5 Selections
The other Second Row spot goes to one of the best ground working players in the competition. Aliyah is a master of dominating the tackle on the ground, and is better than most at forcing a slow play the ball. With the ball ,she is a capable ball runner and can ball play at the line. Comfortable at lock or second row, Grey is a worthy player in this team.
Notable Options – Brianna Young (4), Layna Nona Busch (3), Briana Bunce (3), Emysen Robinson (3)
Lock – Elle Donoghue (Warren) – Joondalup Giants – 5 Selections
Earning the lock forward spot is Elle who has literally played in every position. Beginning her career as a dynamic and fast outside back, she then transitioned to the halves, and is now earning a name for herself as a hard working and damaging middle forward. Capable of passing and offload, with a strong defensive work ethic, Elle has mastered re-inventing herself time and again.
Notable Options – Layna Nona Busch (3), Claudia Foster (3)
Interchange – Shenae Gillmor-Spence – Joondalup Giants – 5 Selections
A player with a big rugby league IQ, Gillmor-Spence shifted to the halves this year in a bit of a swap with Donoghue. Normally a hard working lock/back rower, Shenae has answered the call for the Giants and has played the role with aplomb in 2025. Possessing a good passing game, and ability to attack the line with speed, she has been a hard matchup for defenders.
Interchange – Caitlin Burt-Poloai – Willagee Bears – 4 Selections (7 Games)
Okay now we had to come up with a way to pick the final spots on this team. While we could have picked some forwards or come up with a real bench, it was really about the votes. So we went with the amount of selections, versus the games played. And the half from the Willagee Bears gets the nod for our first spot.. With 4 selections from 7 games played, she grabs the third bench spot. A prolific try scorer, Caitlin was a good ball player, but excelled as a ball carrier. Incredibly strong she made a habit of pushing through the first defender every time.
Interchange – Alesha Foster – Fremantle Roosters – 4 Selections (6 Games)
Getting hurt at the start of the year, Foster has come back with a vengence, becoming one of the Roosters most consistent threats on the right edge. Quick with a devastating fend, she is incredibly strong and breaks tackles for fun.
Interchange – Brianna Young – Willagee Bears – 4 Selections (10 Games)
And the last spot on the roster goes to the Willagee Bears strike weapon in Brianna Young. Its no secret she is one of the most dangerous players in the competition when she is allowed to get into the game, Loves the hard work along with the fancy stuff, she has has a huge future in the game.
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18th Player – Adrienne Acker – Willagee Bears – 4 Selections (11 Games)
19th Player – Tatyana Fisher – Ellenbrook Rabbitohs – 4 Selections (11 Games)
Well the last two players couldn’t be split, both with 4 selections and the equal number of games, we had to make the inclusion for the last two. Acker is a points machine, kicking goals and scoring tries for the Willagee faithful, and Fisher is the same, leading the competition in tries scored with a monster 16 tries in her 11 games.
Unlucky Misses
Well there were some players who were unlucky to miss out, we let the selections speak for themselves.
Injury and work also kept the likes of Chanelle Edwards, Zion Taurima, Kahurangi Peters and Layna Nona Busch on 3 votes, but there were some great players who missed out after them as well.
Anyway that’s the team. And its a very good side no matter which way you look at it. With some serious finals rugby league to go its time to sit back and marvel at some of the great talent we have in our game.
