The Canberra Raiders have added two more to their NRLW squad for 2025 with Jaida Faleono staying on for the season and young gun Elise Simpson getting the call up.
Faleono gets a permanent nod in the 2025 squad after playing in the last three games of the 2024 season and coach Darren Borthwick is keen to see her return to the top grade.
“For a young girl that has come through our pathways system, she learnt a lot last season and got her opportunity when we needed her to and performed quite well,” Borthwick said.
“I’ve seen an improvement in Jaida playing Tarsha Gale again this year, just the way she carries herself.”
Although Borthwick knows that she is still discovering more about her own game, he knows that Faleono can also handle the pressures that come with elite competition.
She’s still finding out about herself at our level, we’ve put a lot of work into her and it’s a good reward for her that we want to continue to see her grow,” Borthwick continued.
“Like all our players, she’ll play an important role in how successful we are this season. I’m happy to have her back and I know she’s excited to be back here which is even more important.”
Faleono says she has already been able to absorb plenty from the Raiders top players and is excited at the opportunity to do it again.
“I’m very excited, it’s a privilege being back. These girls have become my family so I’m very happy that I’m back here and I can’t wait for the season,” Faleono said.
“I’m excited to get back into it and excited to be back with the girls.
“I learn so much from these girls so I’m very thankful to be back with them again for another season. It’s a dream come true.”
Elise Simpson, also part of the Raiders Tarsha Gale Cup side will get her call up as well.
Simpson, who is a former touch footy representative player, was awarded the 2024 Katrina Fanning Scholarship.
A key player in the Raiders Tarsha Gale side over a couple of seasons, Borthwick identified Simpson as a player that can make the step up and do a job for the NRLW side.
“Elise is another one that has come through our pathways system,” Borthwick said.
“Elise is a good talent, she had a really good season in Tarsha Gale last year and is someone that we identified that will strengthen our team.
“Similar to Jaida, I’ve been happy with her performances in our junior reps system this year.”
Borthwick admits that they will also not put too much pressure on Simpson but are keen to watch her grow and develop as a player.
“She’ll only benefit from being around our senior players and to be local is even more of a bonus,” Borthwick continued.
“She was the 2024 Katrina Fanning Scholarship winner.
“We’ll obviously not put too much pressure on her but I’m very keen to see how she grows and takes the opportunity that she’s going to get.”
Although Simpson is excited at her chance, she is also nervous but knows that familiarity with the club and fellow teammate Grace Kemp will help.
“It’s exciting and a little bit scary considering the only rugby league I’ve played is Tarsha Gale but I’m looking forward to it,” Simpson said.
“I’m looking forward to playing with the girls in the NRLW squad, being able to improve considering I’m new to the game and I have a lot to work on, so I look forward to learning from them.
“I’m looking forward to playing with Grace Kemp. When I first started rugby I played in a school rugby sevens comp and she was our coach at Canberra Grammar, so it will be crazy to play with her.”