Rachael Pearson

Rachael Pearson is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Parramatta Eels Women in the NRL Women's Premiership.

Background

Prior to joining the Helensburgh Tigers for the 2021 NSW Women's Premiership season, Pearson had played soccer, Australian rules football and League tag in and around her hometown of Hay, [New South Wales]. After several matches with Helensburgh, Pearson was selected for New South Wales rugby league team|NSW Country Origin] in May 2021. Pearson scored a try in a Country's 1640 loss to City. Pearson was subsequently signed by the St George Illawarra Dragons, making an impressive NRLW debut at halfback on 27 February 2022 in the Dragons' opening match of the postponed 2021 season.
Pearson is the cousin of fellow NRLW player Emily Bass, and the two were on opposing sides for an NRLW match on 13 March 2022.

Playing career

Pearson was selected by her peers in the Rugby League Players Association Dream Team for the 2021 NRLW season, prior to playing in the Grand Final.
Following the Grand Final loss, Pearson was selected in an extended New [South Wales women's rugby league team|New South Wales] squad and on 24 June 2022, made her Women's State of Origin debut. In a match in which both teams scored three tries each, Pearson's four goals from five attempts helped New South Wales win, 2014.