Round 1 Preview – NPL Women’s NSW
Finally, the time has come for round one of the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition.
The new season of the NPL NSW Women’s competition kicks off with excitement and anticipation as clubs across the state gear up to battle for supremacy.
Northern Tigers v Gladesville Ravens
2:30pm, Saturday 7 March – NTRA
The Northern Tigers host Gladesville Ravens this weekend at North Turramurra in the opening match of the 2026 season.
Finn Geraghty will lead his side for the first time in a competitive match against a side they hold a strong record against, not losing to the Ravens in their last six clashes.
An unknown for the Tigers who have gone about their business quietly, looking to kick start their season with a victory on home turf.
The Ravens won’t be pushovers though, recruiting well and keen to make an early season statement with a win over the Tigers.
Ravens coach Lauren Phelps will hope the experience of veteran Leena Khamis will help guide the side to all three points in a tough away game to open the campaign.
NWS Spirit v Sydney Olympic
3pm, Saturday 7 March – Christie Park
Starting 30 minutes after the first game of the season, NWS Spirit welcome Sydney Olympic to Christie Park.
An off season of major change for both of these teams, they have seen new coaches come in along with a high turnover of playing personnel.
Spirit will be looking to the energetic and skilful Mikaela Gavranic to make a difference as John Seroukas leads his first game in charge of Spirit.
His opposite number, Sam McGowan, will be hoping new signing and young starlet Zoe Panagopoulos can hit the ground running for Olympic.
Macarthur Rams v Manly Untied
3pm, Sunday 8 March – Lynwood Park
Our first Sunday game leads us to Lynwood Park as the Macarthur Rams take on Manly United at 3pm.
After doing the double two years running, it was a transition year for the Rams last season under Vic Guzman.
2026 will be a campaign where they are expected to challenge for a finals spot and new signing Marcella Santos and Sakura Nojima could be key to unlocking Manly’s defence.
Tom Hopley’s side have made solid starts to the season in previous year and he will be hoping for no less this weekend.
This team has seen minimal change and is in fact stronger than last year, a win to start the season away at the Rams will send a proper warning sign across the rest of the competition.
APIA Leichhardt v Sydney University
4:50pm, Sunday 8 March – Lambert Park
Lambert Park will be the venue on Sunday for the clash between APIA Leichhardt and Sydney University.
A league season of ‘almosts’ for APIA in 2025, one that Brad Attard will be keen to avenge.
The football Gods had it that star signing Talia Kapetanelis would come up against her former side in her first game as an APIA player, will she be the decisive figure?
APIA will expect no less than to walk away from this one with all three points.
The visitors come into their first game of the season with a new coach and a very different looking side to 2025.
Xavier Taylor, who knows the culture of the club, will be telling his players they have nothing to lose in this one, making them a dangerous opponent.
A young, energetic side, they may just fancy themselves to strike an early surprise jab at the competition.
Western City Rangers v UNSW
5pm, Sunday 8 March – Popondetta Park
On Sunday evening at Popondetta Park, the Western City Rangers host UNSW from 5pm.
What a way to open your campaign than at home against the competition favourites for new coach Milan Jovanovic.
The Rangers have seen a lot of turnover, not just in the coaching ranks but also playing stocks. After a successful 2025, they will be looking to continue that into the new season with what would be a surprise victory.
One of the most active and impressive recruitment drives of any team in the competition has UNSW not just favourites in this one but also to take out all silverware in 2026.
Demi Koulizakis will have the likes of Lexie Moreno and Alexia Karys-Stahl feeding balls through from midfield as Zoran Naumovski’s team looks to make a statement in round one.
Illawarra Stingrays v WSW
5pm, Sunday 8 March – The Pond – Myimbarr Community Park
It will be party time down the south coast as the Illawarra Stingrays officially open their new home against the Western Sydney Wanderers.
The momentous occasion will only be sweater with an opening day three points, led by captain Chloe Middleton.
Just missing out on finals last season, the Stingrays will be hoping to go one better and it starts with a win in the first match of the season.
A tough season for Jamie Dib and the WSW in 2025 and it will be no easier for the red and blacks this campaign.
A younger squad with a lot of new faces will face a difficult away trip in front of a boisterous home crowd.
Hills United v Bulls FC Academy
5:30pm, Sunday 8 March – VSP
The final match of round one takes us to Valentine Sports Park as Hills United take on Bulls FC Academy on Sunday at 5:30pm.
It doesn’t get much tougher for the newly promoted side facing off against the 2025 Premiers and Champions, Bulls.
Hills have recruited well and been busy, securing the trio of Olivia Sloan, Erin Tavares and Natalie Casha from the Rangers and these three will be key in this game.
Marti Garces went about business without too much fuss last season, similarly to this campaign and managed to secure two trophies.
The Champions will want to carry last season’s form into 2026 and what better way to do that than with an opening day victory.
By Nikola Pozder
