Sydney Roosters | NRLW leader
From the Central Coast to suburban Sydney, Isabelle Kelly’s influence on the NRLW and women’s rugby league has been transformational. As a foundation player, signing with the Sydney Roosters for the inaugural season of NRLW, Kelly’s decorated career is rooted in her unmatched physicality, toughness and mental perseverance.
Junior Club: Berkeley Vale Panthers
Club: Sydney Roosters
Position: Centre
Career Highlights
- NSW Blues Captain
- 4 x Dally M Centre of the Year
- Decorated leader and mainstay for the Jillaroos
- 2018 NSWRL Women’s State of Origin Player of the Year
- 2025 NRLW Dally M Captain of the Year
Rugby league was a way of life for Isabelle Kelly, following in the footsteps of her father who represented the Manly Sea Eagles in the 1980’s. Stirred by two older brothers, who were also Rugby league mad, Kelly spent her childhood running around the Berkley Vale Junior Club.
It was not until her late teens however that Kelly decided to play rugby league competitively. When Kelly was only 18 when she made her State of Origin debut for NSW, scoring the teams only try of the match. Kelly’s momentum continued just 2 years later, in 2017, once again shining on debut for the Jillaroos where she scored the opening try. From that point on Kelly cemented herself as a reliable and powerful player in NRLW.
Kelly brings experience and composure to her team having been a part of the 2021 NRLW Premiership team and captaining the 2024 premiership team to victory. With the 2026 season not far away the goal remains the same, the 5 x Dally M award winner has her sights set on leading the Sydney Roosters to another NRLW premiership, after a disappointing loss to the Broncos in the 2025 grand final.
Kelly’s impact on women’s rugby League extends beyond her brilliance on the field. As a captain and community advocate for female sports, she is commended for her profound resilience and genuine empathy for her teammates, which earnt her the 2024 RLPA Players Champion.
Cherine Fahd, The Captains [Isabelle in the Studio], 2026, black-and-white digital image, commissioned by Harvey Norman in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 2026