NSW Country Corellas coach Pat Bowen expects Leilani Nathan and a host of other Newcastle women to be "knocking on the door" when the NSW Super W training squad is selected later this month.
Nathan, a powerhouse back-rower, was named NSW Country women's player of the year after the Corellas finished second at the Chikarovski Cup last weekend.
NSW Country went down 20-12 to Sydney Blue before beating Sydney Gold 27-24. Sydney Blue accounted for Sydney Gold 27-22 in the final match to win the cup.
As well as Leilani Nathan, her twin Nicole, younger sister Lakesha, Britney Duff and Emma Bradford played strongly.
"If you look at the Waratahs back-row, Leilani would have to be on their development radar," Bowen said.
"Given how well she played, she would be knocking on the door. She came in with a really solid skill set having played a lot of sevens and with the Hamilton Hawks in the 15s.
"She held own in the lineout and just has a really high work rate, which is what you look for in a seven. She also has that hunger for the ball and got turnovers at key times."
Maya Stewart and Katrina Barker, who were part of the Waratahs side which won the Super W this year, played limited roles.
"They were great to have around in camp and we used them more in mentor roles," Bowen said.
In a coup for Hunter rugby, Maitland No.8 and Anderson Medal winner Travis Brooke was awarded the Will Tanner Medal for the Cockatoos player of the year.
