EXCEL Sports Pathways Model: How We Identify, Develop & Build Future NRLW Athletes

Why the Right Pathway Matters — and How EXCEL Sports Does It Differently

In the world of female rugby league, talent is everywhere — but pathways are not.Young athletes are often pushed into the wrong environments, rushed into rep teams they’re not ready for, or overlooked entirely because they don’t have the right support structure around them.

At EXCEL Sports, we don’t just “manage” players. We build NRLW athletes.We scout selectively, develop intentionally, and place players into pathways where they can grow — not just participate.

This is the EXCEL difference.

1. Our Philosophy: We’re Selective — Because Pathways Must Be Correct

We don’t take on every player.We don’t chase numbers.We don’t promise the NRLW to anyone.

Instead, we scout players with:

• NRLW future potential

• Physical attributes that can be developed

• A strong personal attitude and humility

• Commitment to training and feedback

• A willingness to buy into the EXCEL values: Family, Faith, YOU

If we don’t see an NRLW future in an athlete, we won’t waste their time — or ours.That’s what makes our model different: we only work with players we can build.

2. What We Look For — It’s More Than Tries, Tackles & Highlights

A player doesn’t need to:

• Score 3 tries a game

• Make 100-metre runs

• Dominate every rep trial

Those things are bonuses, not prerequisites.

What we specialise in is identifying the building blocks of a great NRLW player:

We assess:

• Explosiveness off the mark

• Agility and change of direction

• Body balance under pressure

• Effort areas (kick chase, support lines, inside pressure)

• Repeat effort ability (NRLW essential)

• Coachability

• Mental resilience

• Growth potential

Skill will always catch up.But we cannot teach attitude, humility, or consistency.

3. Matching the Player With the Right Club — Not the Strongest Club

This is where most pathways fail.

Young women often pick the “big name” club, but:

• the team is stacked

• they get limited minutes

• they never get the ball

• they lose confidence

• selectors don’t see enough footage

• they fall behind

  
  

At EXCEL Sports:

We don’t chase strong teams. We chase the right team.

We place athletes into clubs based on:

• where they will develop fastest

• where they get minutes, not bench time

• where their position is valued

• where their confidence can grow

• where they can lead, not hide

• where they will stand out for the right reasons

Every placement is intentional.

4. Case Study: GEZREYAL MAIU’U — The Perfect Example of the EXCEL Pathway - NRLW pathways development

When we first saw Gezreyal Maiu’u, she wasn’t the biggest name in her age group.

But she had:

• Raw power

• Natural athleticism

• Work ethic

• A body built for NRLW progression

• The mindset we look for

  
  

What we did NOT do:

❌ Put her into a stacked team

❌ Hide her behind rep players

❌ Rush her into positions she wasn’t ready for

What we DID do:

✔ Put her in a team where she had to work harder✔ Gave her a chance to carry more, tackle more, lead more✔ Ensured she gained confidence through responsibility✔ Let her become the standout player — not “one of many”

This environment forced her to:

• Develop faster

• Take on pressure roles

• Grow physically and mentally

• Showcase her strengths

• Build a highlight reel built on effort, not hype

  
  

The Result

Because the pathway matched the player:

🎯 She earned a 2026 NRLW Development Contract🎯 She has now earned a 2027 NRLW Top 24 Contract with the New Zealand Warriors

Two contracts — earned through the correct environment, consistent training, and purposeful placement.

Gezreyal didn’t skip steps.

She mastered them.

She understands our CORE VALUES

That is the EXCEL Sports pathway in action.

5. How EXCEL Builds NRLW Athletes

Once a player signs with EXCEL Sports, the development plan becomes structured and personalised.

We focus on:

A. Fitness & Explosiveness

We correct running mechanics, increase power output, improve repeat efforts, and build the engine required for NRLW.

B. Skill Fundamentals

• Catch-pass under fatigue

• Defensive contact and technique

• Ball-carrying shape

• Footwork sequencing

• Game IQ

• Position-specific development

  
  

C. Mental Strength & Personal Growth

NRLW requires:

• resilience

• professionalism

• discipline

• humility

• Athlete Development

  
  

We reinforce these constantly through our core values:

Family • Faith • YOU

D. Club Placement & Pathway Navigation

We don’t move players around unless:

• it develops them

• it gives them opportunity

• it supports their long-term target

  
  

We stay loyal to clubs that develop.We remain honest in communication.We protect players from poor decisions.

6. The EXCEL Guarantee

When you sign with EXCEL Sports:

• You’re part of a family

• You’re guided with honesty

• You receive clear expectations

• You follow a customised plan

• You are positioned for long-term success

• You are treated as a person, not a number

We don’t promise the NRLW.We prepare you for it.

Its all about the NRLW pathways development

✔ Final Call to Action - NRLW pathways development

If you're a young athlete — or a parent — who wants a pathway with purpose, structure, and long-term development… Check out the NRL womens page

Excel with us at EXCEL Sports.

🔗 excelsports.net.au📧 John@excelsports.net.au📲 Instagram: @excel_sports_management