Georgia Bartlett: The Sunshine Coast Star’s Fast-Track to the Brisbane Broncos

Georgia Bartlett

Georgia Bartlett has taken the rugby league world by storm. In just six months, she went from playing local footy on the Sunshine Coast to signing a development contract with the Brisbane Broncos



The 21-year-old outside back only picked up a rugby league ball last year, but her natural talent and hard work quickly paid off.

From Touch Football to Rugby League

Bartlett grew up in Chinchilla before moving to Toowoomba, where she made a name for herself in touch football. She represented Queensland at the junior level, but rugby league never crossed her mind until she relocated to the Sunshine Coast in 2021.

Georgia Bartlett
Photo Credit: QRL

Her older brother Hayden, a Maroochydore Swans player, played a key role in her transition. When the team needed extra players, he convinced her to give it a go. With just a week of training, she stepped onto the field at the Sunshine Coast 9’s pre-season tournament. Despite her inexperience, she quickly impressed coaches and teammates, earning a reputation as a rising star.

Dominating the Sunshine Coast Competition

Bartlett’s rapid adaptation to rugby league took many by surprise. Playing for the Maroochydore Swans in the SCGRL open women’s competition, she displayed explosive speed, sharp footwork, and a natural ability to read the game.

Her performances didn’t go unnoticed. She earned a spot in the Sunshine Coast 47th Battalion representative team, where she dominated the competition and was named Player of the Tournament. Soon after, she stepped up again, playing fullback for Queensland Country and proving she could perform at a higher level.

Earning a Contract with the Brisbane Broncos

Bartlett’s rise caught the attention of NRLW recruiters. Throughout 2024, she trained with the Brisbane Broncos’ emerging squad, showcasing her athleticism, work ethic, and willingness to learn.

After her team’s semi-final loss, Broncos head of NRLW Paul Dyer and head coach Scott Prince approached her with a development contract.

Bartlett said that she felt “overwhelmed, speechless and full of emotion” during the contract discussion. 

Now part of the Broncos system, Bartlett will train with the club’s top 24 NRLW players while gaining experience with the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland BMD Premiership.

Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos/Instagram

Despite her rapid rise, Bartlett stays grounded. She believes that anything can happen and just wants to enjoy where she is without pressure. 

Broncos coach Scott Prince believes she has enormous potential. He saw that Bartlett shows how eager she is to learn footy and how everyone is rooting for her. 



Grateful for Support

Bartlett credits her success to her family, coaches, teammates, friends, and the Maroochydore Swans rugby league club. 

With talent, determination, and strong support, Georgia Bartlett’s rugby league journey is just beginning. From the Sunshine Coast to the NRLW, she’s proving that hard work and the right opportunities can lead to something incredible.

Published 5-Feb-2025

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