Raecene McGregor: A Journey Through Rugby League Excellence
Raecene McGregor has established herself as one of the most formidable forces in women's rugby league. From her early days in the NSWRL to becoming a world-ranked athlete, her career is defined by leadership, versatility, and a consistent ability to perform on the biggest stages of the sport.
Key Facts
- Dally M Medalist: Winner of the 2022 NRLW Dally M Medal.
- Multiple Premierships: Won titles with the Brisbane Broncos and the Sydney Roosters.
- International Success: Represented New Zealand in multiple World Cups and won the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s.
- Elite Recognition: Named among the top three players in the world by the official NRL site in 2020.
- Leadership: Served as captain for the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Early Career and International Debut
McGregor's professional trajectory began in 2016 when she played for the Greenacre Tigers in the NSWRL Women's Premiership. Her talent quickly caught the attention of national selectors, leading to her representation of New Zealand at the 2017 Women's Rugby League World Cup. During the final against Australia on December 2, 2017, she played as a five-eighth—a primary playmaker role—and successfully scored a try despite the team's loss.
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Rise Through the NRLW
In June 2018, McGregor joined the St George Illawarra Dragons for the inaugural NRL Women's Premiership (NRLW). She made her debut in Round 1 against the Brisbane Broncos. By 2019, she had moved to the Brisbane Broncos, where she experienced immediate success. On October 6, 2019, she started at five-eighth and scored a try in a 30–6 Grand Final victory over the Dragons.
Her international momentum continued in late 2019 as a member of the New Zealand squad that won the Rugby League World Cup 9s. In early 2020, she briefly signed with the Wests Tigers for the NSWRL Women's Premiership and represented the Māori All Stars in February 2020.
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Continued Dominance and Global Recognition
Returning to the Broncos, McGregor secured her second NRLW premiership on October 25, 2020, starting at five-eighth in a 20–10 win over the Sydney Roosters. This period marked a peak in her global standing; on November 1, 2020, the official NRL site ranked her as one of the top three players in the world.
Peak Achievements and Individual Honors
The year 2022 served as a landmark for McGregor's individual accolades. In September, she was awarded the Dally M Medal, the highest individual honor in the league. Her excellence was further validated by being named in the NRLW Team of the Year and the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) Dream Team. Additionally, she received the RLPA's Players' Champion award, an honor voted on by her peers.
Her success also extended to the Sydney Roosters, with whom she won the delayed 2021 NRLW competition in April 2022, defeating the Dragons 16–4. Later that year, she and her younger sister, Page, were both selected for the New Zealand squad for the delayed 2021 Women's Rugby League World Cup in England.
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Recent Career and Leadership
In April 2023, McGregor returned to the St George Illawarra Dragons on a one-year contract and was subsequently appointed as the club's captain. Her impact led to a two-year extension in September 2023, securing her place with the Dragons through 2025. Most recently, on October 8, 2025, she signed a new two-year deal with the Wests Tigers.
| Year/Period | Team/Organization | Key Achievement/Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Greenacre Tigers | NSWRL Women's Premiership |
| 2017 | New Zealand | World Cup Debut (Scored try in final) |
| 2018 | St George Illawarra Dragons | Inaugural NRLW Debut |
| 2019 | Brisbane Broncos | NRLW Premiership Winner |
| 2020 | Brisbane Broncos | 2nd NRLW Premiership; Ranked Top 3 Globally |
| 2022 | Sydney Roosters / NZ | Dally M Medal; 2021 NRLW Title |
| 2023-2025 | St George Illawarra Dragons | Club Captain |
| 2025 | Wests Tigers | Signed two-year contract |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dally M Medal?
The Dally M Medal is a prestigious individual award given to the player judged to be the most outstanding in the NRL/NRLW season. Raecene McGregor won this award in 2022.
Which teams has Raecene McGregor played for in the NRLW?
She has played for the St George Illawarra Dragons, the Brisbane Broncos, and the Sydney Roosters.
What position does Raecene McGregor typically play?
McGregor frequently starts at five-eighth, a key playmaking position in rugby league.
Has Raecene McGregor won any international titles?
Yes, she was a member of the New Zealand squad that won the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s.
How many NRLW premierships has she won?
She has won multiple premierships, including titles with the Brisbane Broncos (2019, 2020) and the Sydney Roosters (2021 competition won in 2022).