Manly United Embrace Continuity and Opportunity Ahead of 2026 NPL Women’s NSW Season

Consistency, development and belief remain the hallmarks of Manly United FC as the club prepares for the 2026 National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW season, once again placing trust in a stable squad and a proven pathway from youth to senior football.

True to their long-standing philosophy, Manly have retained the bulk of their playing group, with a strong emphasis on local talent and internal promotion.

Several players from the 2025 Under 23s squad step up into First Grade, while Under 18s graduates make the transition into the Under 23s, ensuring continuity across all levels of the program and reinforcing the club’s commitment to development.

Key to that stability is the re-signing of a number of experienced and influential players. Jodie Drever, Phoebe Gilbane, Grace Arnold, Nicole Stuart, Ruby Jackson, Chloe O’Brien, Anita Zordan, Emily Minett, Daisy Arrowsmith and Ellie Kerr will all once again wear the Manly United colours, providing leadership, familiarity and cohesion as the season unfolds.

There is also a sense of excitement around the return of Ariella Cabezas, who comes back into contention following the rehabilitation of a lengthy injury. Her availability adds another dimension to the squad and, in many ways, feels like a major new signing ahead of the new campaign.

While continuity is central, Manly have also selectively strengthened their roster with several notable additions. Kayla Osborne arrives from NWS Spirit FC, Brinley Gentle joins from APIA Leichhardt FC, and Sarah Moore returns to NPL Women’s football after playing with UNSW FC in 2024 and taking the 2025 season away from the game. Each brings experience and quality that will complement Manly’s existing core.

As part of the squad refresh, the club has also farewelled Leah Burton, Nicole Simonsen, Bonny Adams and Siahn Bozanic, all of whom depart having contributed to the program in recent seasons.

The coaching structure remains settled, with Tom Hopley continuing as First Grade Head Coach supported by Assistant Coach Jonathan Curulli. The continuity off the field mirrors the stability on it, giving Manly a strong platform to build consistency and competitiveness throughout the season.

Manly United FC’s 2026 campaign begins with a challenging opening assignment, travelling to Lynwood Park to face Macarthur Rams on Sunday, 8 March.

With a squad built from within and reinforced with smart additions, Manly United enter the new season confident that their measured approach can once again deliver results at NPL Women’s NSW level.