The Parramatta Eels are proud to announce that four Eels Academy players have been awarded NRLW Development contracts for the 2026 season, while a fifth player has been elevated to an NRLW Supplementary contract.
Fresh off their 2026 Tarsha Gale Cup premiership victory, Taylah Falaniko, Tia Matthews, Aaliyah Soufan, and Freedom Crichton Ropati will take the next step in their rugby league journeys by joining the Eels NRLW Development program.
Khyliah Gray has been upgraded to a Supplementary NRLW player in recognition of her outstanding performances.
Khyliah, Aaliyah, Tia and Taylah were part of the Eels’ victorious 2025 Tarsha Gale Cup squad, while Freedom helped secure the 2025 Lisa Fiaola Cup Grand Final title.
Parramatta Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill said the signings reflected the strength of the club’s female pathways program.
“Khyliah, Taylah, Tia, Aaliyah and Freedom have all progressed through the Eels Academy system, and we are incredibly proud to see these talented young players earn the opportunity to pursue their dream of playing in the NRLW,” O’Neill said.
“Each player has displayed professionalism both on and off-field, and we look forward to seeing them thrive in the NRLW program.
“Their elevation is a direct result of the club’s commitment to investing in our women’s Academy program which allows young players to remain at one club throughout their development, alongside their teammates and friends, while proudly representing the blue and gold,” he added.
The Parramatta Eels provide a clear and dedicated pathway for female players, from the Lisa Fiaola Cup and Tarsha Gale Cup through to the NSW Women’s Premiership and NRLW. The pathway provides full-time coaching, strength and conditioning, and wellbeing support to give our players every opportunity to succeed.
The Parramatta Eels congratulate Khyliah Gray, Taylah Falaniko, Tia Matthews, Aaliyah Soufan and Freedom Crichton Ropati on this exciting achievement and look forward to supporting their continued development within the club’s NRLW program.
