When the Sydney Roosters take the field against the Newcastle Knights in Gosford tomorrow, two of the club’s leaders, Isabelle Kelly and Keely Davis, will etch their names into NRLW history.
Becoming the first players in NRLW history to reach 50 career games, a feat that reflects not only their personal talent and consistency but also the evolution of the NRLW game since its inception. Brisbane Broncos Ali Brigginshaw will also reach the milestone in Round 7, making it a landmark weekend for the competition.
While 50 games might not seem like a massive number in the men’s NRL, in the NRLW, it’s an incredible achievement. With the competition’s later inception in 2018 and shorter seasons in its early years, reaching such a milestone is an impressive feat. On today’s numbers, 50 NRLW games is roughly the equivalent of 200 NRL games
For Kelly, the occasion is another chapter in an already storied career. A foundation player and Rooster #4, she has been the face of the club since 2018, captaining the side to its second Premiership in 2024. That same year, she was named the RLPA Players’ Champion, claimed her third Dally M Centre of the Year title, and earned selection in the Players’ Dream Team.
Her leadership extends beyond the club level. Kelly has captained New South Wales to back-to-back State of Origin series wins in 2024 and 2025. On the international stage, she has been a Jillaroos mainstay since 2017, winning the World Cup in her debut year and representing Australia in 15 Tests to date.
Davis’ milestone is a testament to her consistency, versatility and leadership. Since joining the Roosters in 2023, Davis has been instrumental in the club’s recent success, steering the team to Premiership glory in 2024 and being crowned Dally M Hooker of the Year.
Her representative résumé is equally impressive, a key figure in New South Wales’ 2025 Origin triumph and a Jillaroos representative at the 2024 Pacific Championships. Off the field, Davis has embraced a leadership role in the club’s pathways, coaching the Indigenous Academy Tarsha Gale Cup team and helping develop the next generation of Roosters talent.
Milestones like these highlight just how far the NRLW has come in a short time, and the players who have helped shape it. As Kelly and Davis reach their marks, they not only celebrate personal achievements but also set the benchmark for the next generation of women in rugby league.
