With 15 teams, the Women’s 20s is the largest division to be contested at The Championships this year. A plethora of talent, some of the brightest prospects in the sport are ready to announce themselves to the world in Coffs Harbour. From versatile all-rounders to agile steppers, here are just five of the top stars in this year’s Women’s 20s division.
Tess Notley – South West Queensland Swans
One of the most exciting attackers in the division, Tess Notley is poised to light up Coffs Harbour this March, with exceptional agility and dynamic footwork. A constant handful for defenders at all levels, the Toowoomba representative returns to the Women’s 20s division for the first time since 2022, where her Swans side fell short in the Semi Finals. Her blistering pace and ever-growing understanding of the game has seen her earn a spot in Queensland’s Women’s 20s extended squad. Anyone who has watched her over the years knows that she has that special X factor which makes her one of the most exciting players to emerge from her age group. Representing a South West Queensland team that just fell short of a maiden title in the division, could Tess Notley’s abundance of speed and sensational movement prove to be the difference maker in 2025?
Chase Perrett – Sydney Scorpions
An all-rounder with an ever-growing representative resume, Chase Perrett will be crucial to this Sydney Scorpions outfit, aiming to improve on their Quarter Final finish in 2024. Expected to play a greater role in 2025, Chase has plenty of speed to burn in attack and knows how to run a good line within seven metres. On defence, she is incredibly reliable and can always be counted upon to put in the hard yards throughout a campaign. Chase heads into The Championships this year with plenty of momentum, having standout performances at the DoorDash National Youth Championships, Vawdon Cup and NSW Junior State Cup. Her form this past Summer has seen her game rise to new heights, with the Manly Touch representative's increased confidence evident in her play. One of the key voices of this Scorpions’ lineup, look to Chase Perrett to make an impact on both ends of the field.
Claudia Wheatley – WSW Suns
In 2024, the Suns had their strongest showing in the Women’s 20s tournament since the division’s return in 2022, reaching the Semi Finals. Much of that success came off the back of an impressive campaign from Claudia Wheatley. With nine tries, including a double in the Semi Final, the Wagga Wagga representative certainly left a lasting impression on Touch enthusiasts. A dedicated student of the game, the Emerging Blues representative continues to improve with experience, becoming one of the most versatile attackers in the division, with her bursts of pace and natural instinct continuing to show. An elite finisher, Claudia Wheatley’s ability to cross the line will be crucial to the Suns’ title aspirations in Coffs.
Image courtesy of Wagga Wagga Vipers
Layla White – Sunshine Coast Pineapples
A hard worker in the middle of the park, Layla White makes her return to the Sunshine Coast Pineapples where she scored four tries in the division last year. From stints in the Q Youth Academy to competing for the Queensland Representative Schools Sport contingent at last year's DoorDash National Youth Championships, Layla already has plenty of elite Touch experience under her belt. This is evident in her style of play, with the Caboolture Touch representative already possessing a high level of Touch Footy IQ. Whether it's her positioning or ability to read what's in front of her, the young Queenslander knows hows to capitalise on an opportunity. With a team-first mentality, Layla White will be key in controlling the tempo of her Pineapple side’s play in Coffs Harbour this week. Whether it's breaking through a gap herself or setting up her teammates, you can count on Layla to be a driving force in attack and helping push the Pineapples up the field.
Stevie Boldery – Hunter Western Hornets
One of the top wingers in the division, Stevie Boldery’s combination of pace down the line and exceptional positioning, make her a constant handful for opposing defenders. A try scoring machine, the winger's swift movement with and without the ball makes her a constant threat to defenders - one you can’t let escape your line of sight. It’s not just about the flashy highlights but, with the Newcastle representative a top defender on her line. Whether she’s chasing down attackers or putting her body on the line to make the touch, you can always count on Stevie to give it her all every time she plays. The young hornet heads into Coffs off the back of a massive 2024, in which she earned a spot in the NSW Junior Regionals Merit Team and was crowned national champion at the DoorDash National Youth Championships for NSW Combined High Schools. As she dons the famous Hunter Western purple once again, look to the speedy winger to make an impact on both ends of the field.
The Championships tap off Thursday March 6th in Coffs Harbour. The Championships are available to watch live and free on Kayo Sports in Australia, on Sky Sport in New Zealand and Sky Sports Next in all other global territories.
