Brumbies star Grace Kemp set to sign with Raiders after Wallaroos omission

Kemp has been in talks with the Raiders about making the switch to the NRLW for at least the rest of this year to be a part of Canberra's inaugural season in the competition.

The 21-year-old made her rugby union Test debut last year and was keen to play both codes if she could strike a deal with Rugby Australia and the Raiders.

But her conspicuous absence from the Wallaroos squad signals a potential code swap as the Raiders continue their signing spree for coach Darrin Borthwick's squad.

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The Raiders made their first rugby union move on Wednesday, finalising a deal to recruit Canberra junior and NSW Waratahs playmaker star Ella Ryan in their next batch of recruits.

Ryan, a former sevens representative, played for Woden in the Katrina Fanning Shield last year.

"The announcement of the Raiders NRLW team really sparked that motivation in me to want to play for my home team and that's why I started playing league," Ryan said.

"I'm looking forward to just getting to play in front of a home crowd and obviously the inaugural team for Raiders NRLW.

"I think being able to represent my home state where I've grown up, I'm just super excited to put on the green jersey."

Ryan, 20, was unveiled as a new Raiders recruit alongside Jessica Gentle and Tara Reinke. Gentle played for the Newcastle Knights last year, while former powerlifter Reinke moves to Canberra from Queensland.

"It's absolutely awesome to be honest, I'm excited to be part of an inaugural team and really build the pathways for the girls is exciting," Reinke said.

Meanwhile, the Wallaroos are trying to keep their best talent despite the threat of NRLW expansion. Wallaroos coach Jay Tregonning six Brumbies in his 32-player squad on Wednesday morning.

Uncapped players Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Jasmin Huriwai, Faitala Moleka and Ashlea Bishop will join Pesi Palu and Tania Naden in the squad.

Former Brumbies skipper Michaela Leonard is also in the squad after making the move to the Western Force for the last Super W season.

"The athletes called into the squad distinguished themselves through the work ethic, commitment and drive they displayed during the Super W competition," Tregonning said.

"The added investment into the program from Rugby Australia and World Rugby has been a great step in the right direction as we work to professionalise the women's game.

"Creating a strong foundation, with the right support for our players, is crucial to expanding and developing the program. With the addition of a new women's high performance manager later this year, I am confident the squad will go from strength-to-strength throughout the 2023 season."

Brumbies coach Scott Fava is part of Tregonning's staff, with the Wallaroos to play Fijiana in Sydney on May 20 before a series against New Zealand, the United States and Canada in June and July.

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