High-flying Ospreys out to ride 9s wave all the way to NRLW

Ontario Ospreys players hope to catch the eye of NRLW scouts as they attempt to defend their NRL Vegas 9s title and maintain the club’s proud record of having never lost a match.

The Ospreys, who defeated Canadian rivals BC Storm in last year’s final, also produced 2024 NRL Vegas Combine winner Megan Pakulis and 12 other members of the Ravens side that defeated the United States in November for a place in this year’s IRL World Series.

Pakulis, the Canadian captain, attracted interest from NRLW clubs but chose to honour a deal with York and helped the Valkerye to premiership glory in the Women's Super League.

“There are definitely athletes within the Ospreys program who share similar ambitions of reaching the highest levels of women’s rugby league, including playing in the NRLW,” Ospreys captain and vice-president Candace Scholten said.

“The success and exposure gained from players like Megan serve as motivation for our team, showing them what’s possible with hard work, dedication, and the right opportunities.

“As the sport continues to grow, we expect more Ospreys players to aim for similar goals, striving to showcase their talent on both national and international stages.”

Scholten was a co-founder of the Ospreys in 2023, along with team-mates and coach Matty Barron, who played for Gateshead and was a member of the Wales squad at the 2017 World Cup in Australia.

The Ospreys are back-to-back national champions and remain unbeaten since their inception against teams from across North America.

“The Ospreys are very motivated to defend their title in the 2025 NRL 9s tournament,” Scholten said.

“As the defending champions, we are eager to maintain our dominant position, and to showcase our strength and skills once again.

“Winning last year’s Vegas tournament has had a significant impact on the growth of the sport and the exposure of rugby league in Ontario.

“The victory not only boosted the profile of the team but also helped to shine a spotlight on the sport at a broader level.

"As the team gains recognition for their achievements, it inspires more people to take an interest in rugby league and want to be a part of the Ontario Ospreys.”\

The establishment of a new team, Ottawa Tigers, and plans for a full domestic league are signs of the growth of the game in Canada.

The Ravens are also vying to host the World Series later this year against Fiji, Ireland and Nigeria to determine the eighth and final spot at the 2026 World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

“The presence of two Canadian teams in the 2024 Vegas Nines final is a clear indication that women’s rugby league is growing rapidly in Canada,” said Scholten, who has been a member of the Ravens squad since 2022.

“It demonstrates not only the rising level of talent but also the increasing interest and investment in the sport.

“Having the women’s World Series staged in Canada would be a huge boost for the game. It would bring significant exposure to rugby league in the country, showcasing the skill and talent of top international players to Canadian fans.

“Hosting such a prestigious event would elevate the profile of the sport, inspiring more women and girls to get involved and pursue rugby league at all levels.

“Additionally, it would attract media attention, sponsorships, and partnerships, helping to grow the sport’s infrastructure and resources in Canada.

“The event would also serve as an opportunity to foster a sense of pride and excitement within local communities, solidifying rugby league as an important part of the Canadian sports landscape.”

Scholten said the Vegas 9s was an ideal opportunity for players to press for selection in the Canadian squad to play at the World Series.

“With such a high-profile tournament, players can demonstrate their talent, athleticism, and readiness to compete at the international level,” she said.

“The exposure gained from performing well in the Vegas 9s will undoubtedly be noticed by selectors, giving athletes the chance to make a lasting impression and secure their spot in the national team.

“This tournament will be a critical platform for players to prove they have what it takes to compete on the world stage.”