A Decorated Duo Bows Out
Two of the most influential figures in the history of the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) competition, Millie Elliott and Corban Baxter, have officially announced their retirement at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The pair, both key members of the Sydney Roosters, shared the news on September 16, 2026, as their club prepares for the upcoming preliminary finals following a dominant, undefeated regular season, as reported by NRL.com.
Between them, Elliott and Baxter have secured five premiership titles. Their combined experience has been a cornerstone of the Roosters’ culture, with coach John Strange praising their professionalism, diet, and recovery habits as a blueprint for the club’s younger athletes. “The impact they’ve both had on the younger players in our squad has also been significant,” Strange noted, highlighting the mentorship that has defined their final years at Bondi.
Career Milestones and Motivations
For 28-year-old Millie Elliott, the decision to step away is driven by a desire to focus on her family. After missing the 2025 season to give birth to her daughter, Gigi, Elliott returned in 2026 to help New South Wales secure an historic 3-0 State of Origin series sweep. According to RLWC2026, Elliott stated, “I want to be all in on being a mother,” emphasizing that she does not wish to “half-arse” her commitments. A four-time premiership winner—having claimed titles with the Brisbane Broncos, Newcastle Knights, and the Roosters—Elliott is now focused on adding a fifth ring to her collection before potentially representing Australia in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
Corban Baxter, 32, a foundation Rooster and veteran of 42 NRLW games, cited the physical toll of the sport as a primary factor in her retirement. After returning from a significant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear last year, the dual international and former captain acknowledged that the demands of elite competition have become increasingly difficult for her body to sustain, per UA.News.
Looking Toward a Final Premiership
The Roosters enter the 2026 finals series as minor premiers, seeking redemption following a narrow defeat to the Broncos in the 2025 Grand Final. For both athletes, the goal is a “fairytale finish.” Elliott’s potential participation in the World Cup, which kicks off in Australia on October 16, remains a significant subplot. If selected, she would join several of her Roosters teammates, including Jessica Sergis and Isabelle Kelly, in what would serve as a final representative swansong.
As they prepare for the preliminary final, the focus remains entirely on the immediate task. Both players have expressed gratitude for the support systems at their previous clubs—the Broncos and the Knights—and the enduring friendships forged during their time in the league. For the Roosters, their departure marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and success that has helped shape the growth of the women’s game since its inception in 2018.