Back-rower Brander has been representing the Australian Jillaroos since her Test debut back in 2014. She works as a legal assistant and has been granted leave for the entire competition by her employer.

"It's a big move overall, and I'm not one for change often but just to be a part of the first Women's Premiership is a massive thing," Brander said.

"I'm really excited for this challenge and to be out of my comfort zone at the Dragons because I never thought I'd get the chance to play for any NRL team during my career," she said.

Front-rower Mafi coincidentally made her Queensland debut in Wollongong in 2017 and is excited to play with some of the best women's rugby league talent.

"Wollongong was definitely somewhere I was keen to come back to after playing for Queensland there. Now to play with some of the best players in women's rugby league like Kezie Apps, Sammy Bremner and Talesha Quinn is amazing," Mafi said. 

Back-rower Haren, who hails from Innisfail, trains with the men's side and completes a seven-hour journey – via car and plane – to play for the Wests Brisbane Panthers as Innisfail doesn't have a women's team.

"I'm looking forward to the change of scenery and the opportunities that lie ahead. For a long time, I didn't think this would be a possibility," Haren said.

"Coming from such a small town and community to be one of the first ever to play in the NRL as a woman, I'm hoping we're able to pave the way for other young girls," she said.

All three players were part of the Top 40 Elite players.