Rising NRLW star Caitlin Turnbull wants to represent her English heritage at IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 and has an ambition to play in the Women’s Super League at some stage of her blossoming career.

The Wests Tigers fullback is eligible for England through her father Phil, who was born in Sunderland and moved to Australia at a young age. She maintains a close connection with family in England, who follow her NRLW career from afar.

“Dad was born in Sunderland and came out to Australia when he was five-years old. All of Dad’s side of the family are still in the north of England and love their rugby league,” Turnbull said.

“Growing up a lot of my aunties, uncles and cousins came to visit us in Australia and I’ve been up to England as well. They watch all of my NRLW games online, which is really cool.”

Photo: Caitlin Turnbull scored eight tries in 10 matches for Wests Tigers in 2025. @NRL Photos

Turnbull was recognised for a breakout 2025 season for Wests Tiger with selection in the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII team and scored a hat-trick of tries against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby last October.

A proud Ngarigo woman from the Canberra region and south-east NSW, Turnbull recently represented Indigenous All Stars, whom she qualifies for through her mother's side of the family.

The 25-year-old has a multi-sport background and was a member of the Australian Rugby 7s training squad after transitioning from touch and tag, in which she represented Australia as a teenager.

There are more than 20 players in the NRLW who are eligible to represent England after the removal of the tiering system for Women’s nations in a move to ensure a competitive World Cup.

They include Cowboys wing sensation Fran Goldthorp, Knights playmaker Georgia Roache and Raiders strike secondrower Hollie-May Dodd, while a fourth England international, Paige Travis, has returned to St Helens after a stint with Parramatta last season.

Sydney Roosters pair Jasmin Strange and Jocelyn Kelleher, who also have an English parent, have previously expressed their interest in playing for England, along with Bulldogs halfback Tayla Preston.

Turnbull is passionate about representing England if the opportunity arises and would also consider a stint in the Women’s Super League in the future to further her connection to England.

“It would mean a lot to represent the English side of my family and play alongside some of the girls who have come out here and paved the way, like Georgia, Fran, Hollie-Mae and Paige,” she said.

“One day I’d also like the opportunity to play in the Women’s Super League, but for now all of my focus is on preparing for a big season with the Tigers and putting my best foot forward.”

Photo: Caitlin Turnbull crosses for one of her three tries for the Australian PM's XIII team in PNG. @NRL Photos

The IRL Board last week unanimously agreed to remove the tiering for Women's nations in a move set to benefit England the New Zealand at RLWC2026.

Leading prop Shannon Mato, who has played 10 Tests for Australia, has already announced her ambition to play for the Kiwis Ferns and more players are expected to follow.

Previously, players who had played for Australia, England or New Zealand were unable to play for either of the other two Tier 1 nations. However, they could play for a Tier 2 nation provided they were eligible.

Olivia Kernick, Kennedy Cherrington, Corban Baxter, Zahara Temara, Botille Vette-Welsh and Rima Butler are other players who have represented the Jillaroos who are now eligible for New Zealand.

The removal of the tiering system for Women’s nations means players can now represent any nation for which they qualify through birth or if a parent or grandparent was born in that country. Players continue to be prohibited from representing more than one country in a calendar year.

It will also enable young players who may have ambitions to represent Australia, England or New Zealand to play for one of the other two nations if they qualify without jeopardizing their future selection prospects.

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