The Canberra Raiders have announced their next two signings for the 2023 NRLW season.
Sophie Holyman and Ash Quinlan have signed with the club, joining Simaima Taufa, Zahara Temara and Monalisa Soliola in the inaugural Raiders team.
Holyman burst onto the rugby league scene during the 2022 NRLW season, joining the Broncos from rugby union.
By season’s end, Holyman was part of the Prime Minister’s XIII team that played Papua New Guinea last September.
While still relatively new to the sport, Holyman can’t wait to be part of the Raiders inaugural team and take her game to the next level.
“I think it’s a really exciting opportunity obviously being so new to the game, not only being a part of another NRLW side but to be a part of the first ever Canberra Raiders team is really exciting,” Holyman said.
The 25-year-old toured Raiders HQ earlier in the year and was impressed with the facility.
“It’s unreal, it’s probably one of the best set ups I’ve ever seen. It had such a good feel, a really good environment.”
Quinlan comes from a Touch Football background and has impressed in her short time in rugby league.
Quinlan was part of the Roosters NRL 9s team in 2020 before playing for the Parramatta Eels in the 2022 NRLW season.
The 28-year-old was recently part of the NZ Māori Ferns win at the 2023 All Stars event in Rotorua.
Quinlan has also won a Touch World Cup for Australia as well as several Trans Tasman titles.
Quinlan is excited to make the move to Canberra and be part of the inaugural Raiders NRLW team.
“It feels really exciting to be given the opportunity to be in the first ever Raiders NRLW team,” Quinlan said.
“I can’t wait to get down there and start training with the girls.”
Raiders NRLW coach Darrin Borthwick is excited to continue to add to his inaugural team with the signings of Holyman and Quinlan.
“I think it’s going to complement what we’ve already got here in Simaima, Monalisa and Zahara. To get the next two signed is exciting,” Borthwick said.
“Sophie was one we spoke to nice and early. She did some really good things at the Broncos last year.
“She wants to challenge herself and wants to be a better player. She’s got ambitions to represent at the highest level. I really feel honoured that she’s chosen this club to try and fulfil that.
“Ash had a really good year in her first year of NRLW.
“She was more than happy when I spoke to her about what we were going to do here. I think that was a big factor in her coming down as well is that she wants to get out of her comfort zone and challenge herself and she feels that this club is the best fit for her.”
