The Brisbane Broncos NRLW side is gearing up for a redemption season in 2025, and a significant piece of their premiership puzzle comes in the form of recruit Tara McGrath-West. After a year sidelined by injury, the powerful second-rower is not just returning to the field, but joining a club she’s long admired, bringing a fresh surge of talent and determination to the Broncos’ already formidable roster.
McGrath-West, a 24-year-old from Harden-Murrumburrah, arrives at Red Hill with a reputation as a mobile and tenacious forward. She previously plied her trade for the St. George Illawarra Dragons, making 13 appearances across the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Known for her high work rate and defensive prowess, she once set an NRLW record for an interchange player, running an astonishing 230 metres in just 40 minutes.
However, 2024 proved to be a challenging year for McGrath-West, as a sternum injury forced her to miss the entire season. Now, fully recovered and feeling “stronger, faster,” she’s eager to make her mark in Broncos colours.
“I was super excited to join the Broncos,” McGrath-West shared. “I’ve always wanted to come and join the Broncos. They’ve been a team that’s been on my list since I started.” Her decision was also driven by a desire for a “change in environment” to “push myself a bit more,” and the opportunity to play alongside stars like Ali Brigginshaw, Julia Robinson, and the returning Dally M medallist Tamika Upton.
Broncos NRLW Head Coach Scott Prince is equally enthusiastic about his new signing. “Tara has been a great pick-up for us,” Prince stated. “She’s a young forward in the competition, we’re looking forward to her joining our squad and mixing with our already experienced pack. With our systems, programs, and coaching, we look to certainly improve her footy over the next couple of years which is what’s most exciting for me and our team.”
McGrath-West’s addition comes at a pivotal time for the Broncos. In 2024, they secured the minor premiership with a dominant seven-game winning streak and boasted a league-leading attack, averaging 30 points per game.
However, their season ended abruptly with an upset semi-final loss to the Sharks, a result that will undoubtedly fuel their ambition for 2025. With the highly anticipated return of Tamika Upton, coupled with the consistent brilliance of co-captain Ali Brigginshaw and the explosive talent of players like Mele Hufanga and Julia Robinson, the Broncos are widely tipped as premiership contenders. The influx of new talent, including promising rugby union converts and upgraded young guns, further bolsters their squad depth. The Broncos stamped down their authority on the Wests Tigers, with an emphatic 28-4 win at Totally Workwear Stadium.
-Tully Potts
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