Bulldogs Academy member and former Lidcombe schoolgirl Monalisa Soliola is the only player from last year to be selected in the Under 19s State of Origin match on July 13 and could have won a spot in the Open Women’s side but selectors wanted to retain her leadership on the younger side.
Still only 18 herself, she has just accepted a two-year [NRLW] contract with the Canberra Raiders – after receiving six offers from 10 clubs – and will be part of their line-up in their inaugural NRLW side in the first round game a week and a half later on July 22.
A Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs pathways player, Monalisa was the youngest player named in the NRLW St George Dragons side last season after playing in the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s competition for the Cronulla Sharks.
This year, she returned to the Bulldogs as the Club re-entered the Harvey Norman Women's Competition in a bid to strengthen its' female pathway programs and provide even greater opportunity for talented, young local players.
Dad Bill and Mum Sana, who are both Berala Bears coaches, say Monalisa is now living in Canberra and coaching part-time.
“She dreams of being a sports teacher one day and she will start a TAFE course this year after she completed her HSC last year,” Bill said.
Though hugely missed by her nine brothers and sisters, he said the family was incredibly proud of her and would be cheering her on at State of Origin and in her Canberra Raider games.
“The Bulldogs don’t have an NRLW side yet but are building a centre of excellence at Belmore for the men and women and who knows, maybe if their womens side gets underway in 2026, Mona can be part of their inaugural line-up too and move closer to home,” he said.
“But for now, she’s working hard, loving her independence and is very excited to see what the year brings.”
The Bulldogs are one of several clubs who have applied to be considered for an NRLW licence as and when the next competition expansion should take place.
Article originally published by Local News Plus.
