Most-capped Wallaroo ever Marsters confirms next move

It has been confirmed that the Wallaroos‘ leading appearance maker Ashley Marsters will swap codes for the next two years.

The 45-cap Australia international, who has competed at three Women’s Rugby World Cups for her country, has joined NRLW’s Cowboys for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Born on the Cook Islands, the 32-year-old hooker made her debut for Australia in 2014 and has spent the majority of her domestic career with the Melbourne Rebels and Western Force in Super Rugby Women’s.

It is expected that Marsters will play middle forward for the North Queensland side. She will join up with the squad next week as preseason starts ahead of their 2026 campaign.

Ricky Henry, Cowboys NRLW Head Coach, said: “Ash comes to us with elite level experience and leadership.

“Her 45 Test caps – the most by any Wallaroo – speak volumes about her durability and adaptability in the professional game.

“She has the physical presence and edge to thrive in the NRLW and I can’t wait to see the impact she makes this season.”

Some Cowboys fans may have got an early glimpse of Marsters on the television show Rivals: Sport vs Sport. Athletes from rugby union, rugby league and AFL were pitted against one another in a series of challenges.

Marsters, alongside rugby union teammates Desiree Miller, Joseph Aukuso Sua’ali’i and Harry Wilson ultimately won the contest.

The 32-year-old will not be the only cross-coder on the Cowboys roster. Fran Goldthorp, who was involved with England Red Roses squads in 2025, has enjoyed two spells with Loughborough Lightning and is contracted with the Cowboys until 2027.

In the months since Australia’s quarter-final exit at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 a number of Australia internationals have announced they will be playing the 13-player code.

This includes vastly experienced scrum-half Layne Morgan and playmaker Arabella McKenzie. Sevens star Teagan Levi will also spend the season in NRLW after the Gold Coast Titans secured her services after the HSBC SVNS World Championship campaign is over.