Aussie raiders target star Fern

Australian NRL clubs have a long history of plucking the best talent out of New Zealand and it seems the women’s teams will be no different.

The Brisbane Broncos have signalled their interest in star Kiwi Ferns forward Teuila Fotu-Moala as they and the three other clubs involved in the inaugural NRL Women’s Premiership – the Warriors, Dragons and Roosters – race to sign marquee players.

The NRL has confirmed clubs have commenced formal discussions with the 60 elite players – made up of 40 from Australia with the rest from New Zealand.

It’s no surprise Warriors coach Luisa Avaiki has competition for Fotu-Moala.

The 24-year-old back-rower was named player of the tournament at last year’s World Cup after helping the Kiwi Ferns reach the final with Teuila Fotu-Moala several powerful displays.

Nicknamed ‘‘Jukebox’’ by Broncos great Darren Lockyer because the hits keep coming, the Otahuhu Leopards player/coach fuelled speculation she was headed to Brisbane on Tuesday when she tweeted: ‘‘Time to get down to business. Lesgo,’’ alongside a horse emoji.

The tweet was later removed but while the Broncos are yet to confirm any signings, Brisbane game development manager Paul Dyer told NRL.com that Fotu-Moala was on their radar.

The NRL Women’s Premiership will be held over a four-week period during the men’s finals series in September.

NRL clubs are permitted to sign a maximum of 15 elite players, who have until mid-June to take up contracts. Clubs then have up to the end of July to finalise their 22-player squads. With the Australian National Championship taking place on the Gold Coast this weekend, clubs are expected to begin announcing player signings from next week.

The Warriors will be made up entirely of New Zealand-based players but like their male counterparts, it is inevitable that some Kiwis will be lured across the Tasman.