Local juniors Tahlia O’Brien and Jayme Millard have agreed to contract extensions with the Dragons.
O’Brien’s deal will see her remain with the club until at least the end of the 2027 NRLW season whilst Millard’s sees her stay a Dragon until at least the end of 2026.
A Western Suburbs Red Devils junior, O’Brien last year made the leap up to a development contract and was rewarded with an NRLW debut in Round 6 against the Sharks.
The 18-year-old helped lead Illawarra to a Tarsha Gale Cup Preliminary Final earlier last year before representing Under 19s Country and being a part of NSW’s Under 19s Origin squad.
“I’m so grateful and honoured to be extending my time here at the Dragons,” O’Brien said.
“Debuting last year was a dream come true for me and a massive milestone in my journey. Growing up in the Illawarra and progressing through all my junior football here, it means a lot to be able to represent my region and to be able to wear that Dragons jersey again; it was a moment I’ll never forget. We have a really strong group of girls here and I’m really excited for what’s to come this season.”
Millard, a Woonona-Bulli Bushrangers junior, made her NRLW debut for the club in Round 4.
“Both girls had a lot of really nice moments in 2025. Making the step up to the NRLW is never easy but they both handled it really well and grew into reliable players for us.”
Head Coach Nathan Cross
She went on to make eight appearances on the wing averaging 108 run metres and breaking 27 tackles whilst also showcasing her skill as a goal-kicker late in the year.
“It’s really exciting to know I’m staying with the club,” Millard said.
“I really enjoyed my first year in the NRLW and to do it with the Dragons was so surreal. The relationships I built with my teammates and staff members made my decision to re-sign a pretty easy one. I feel as though we are on a really exciting path here and I’m stoked to be a part of it.”
Head Coach Nathan Cross says he is excited with the way in which the squad is rounding out and is pleased to be welcoming the duo back.
“Both girls had a lot of really nice moments in 2025,” he said.
“Making the step up to the NRLW is never easy but they both handled it really well and grew into reliable players for us. We had a lot of belief that Tahlia’s game would translate well up to the top grade given the successes she has had coming through our pathways system.
“Jayme as well is a terrific athlete and fit into the group from the outset. She has a lot of good footy in front of her; we’re happy to have her back and look forward to seeing her continue to develop.”
