2025 female pathways coaching announcement

Author: Sharks Media
Timestamp: Thu 16 Jan 2025, 11:52 AM

The Sharks are pleased to confirm coaching staff for the club's 2025 Tarsha Gale and Lisa Fiaola Cup women's pathways teams.

NRL premiership hero Andrew Fifita will take the next step in his budding coaching career as he guides the under-19 Tarsha Gale side.

Fifita will build on the work done by NRLW assistant coach Isaac Michael, who helped the Tarsha Gale side to a semi-final appearance last year.

Michael will now coach the under-17 Lisa Fiaola squad in the competition's second season, succeeding Robbie Taylor after a creditable eighth-place finish in 2024.

Fifita, who has honed his skills by coaching a junior De La Salle girls team, will be able to lean on Sharks NRLW star Rhiannon Byers as one of his assistants.

"With top-quality coaching staff imparting their knowledge, we expect to be very competitive in the Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale competitions this year," Sharks NRLW & Female Pathway Manager Casey Bromilow said.

"It's exciting to have a Sharks legend in Andrew Fifita giving back to the club and nurturing the next generation as Tarsha Gale coach. Andrew is extremely passionate about women's rugby league and knows what it takes to succeed.

"After doing an outstanding job with the Tarsha Gale last year, Isaac Michael will have a talented Lisa Fiaola squad at his disposal. Isaac is a terrific young coach and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve in 2025."

The signs from both sides are promising, with two solid trials under their belts ahead of Round 1 matches against the Panthers on February 1.

The teams recorded strong wins over the Rabbitohs before Christmas, followed by a five-tries-to-four defeat for the Lisa Fiaola side and a three-tries-all draw for the Tarsha Gale squad against the Tigers last weekend.

Michael's Lisa Fiaola charges will face the Bears and Fifita's Tarsha Gale troops will tackle the Raiders at the Sharks Academy on Saturday in their final trials.

CLICK HERE for information on the 2025 NSWRL competition draws.