Raiders sign NRLW premiership-winning half Temara

Temara, who had played with the Sydney Roosters since the competition's inception in 2018, was announced as one of three signings on Monday, alongside young forward Monalisa Soliola.

Ex-Parramatta captain Simaima Taufa has also been officially announced after AAP confirmed last week she would join the club for the new season beginning in July.

Taufa and Temara have both represented Australia's Jillaroos at international level and NSW and Queensland, respectively, in State of Origin.

Temara played at five-eighth in the 2021 NRLW grand final, when the Roosters became the first side outside of Brisbane to hoist the trophy aloft.

Soliola, 18, made her NRLW debut with St George Illawarra last season and is related to ex-Raiders forward Sia Soliola - her father's first cousin. Canberra's recruits will assemble for pre-season in late May.

"I know the Raiders are a proud club and a family club and I'm excited to be a part of that," Temara said.

Raiders coach Derryn Borthwick heralded Temara's signing as significant for Canberra.

"She's a good player and she's created some good leadership qualities over the years as well, so that's something I'll be looking forward to what Zahara can bring to us," he said.

"She'll be good for us on and off the field as well."

The 10 NRLW sides have until May 24 to finalise their top-24 squads and have a $900,000 salary cap to play with - up from $350,000 last year.

Big names Millie Boyle, Raecene McGregor and Kezie Apps are among the players who have been on the move since the contract window opened last Wednesday and the signing frenzy began.

Borthwick was pleased to have the first signings off his chest.

"It's massive, now that we can finally talk about these girls, it's been a long process," he said.

"I'm really excited for the three girls that have committed here, they are good players and they are good people."

Australian Associated Press