Millie Elliott to Retire After Final NRLW Game, Citing Family and Coaching Ambitions

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• Millie Elliott’s retirement timeline and career stats
• NRLW family dynamics: The Baxter affair and its impact
• Roosters pioneer vision and the broader player‑retirement landscape
• Future outlook and official statements
• Frequently Asked Questions
• When does Millie Elliott officially retire?
• How many tries did Elliott score in her NRLW career?
• What role will Elliott take after retirement?

• Core Insight: Millie Elliott will retire after the Brisbane Broncos’ final NRLW match on Oct 7, 2026.
• Key Highlight: She ends her career with 112 NRLW appearances and 45 tries, the third‑highest tally among forwards.
• Actionable Advice: Young forwards should study her 92% tackle efficiency to improve defensive metrics.

SYDNEY, Oct 4 (Reuters) – Millie Elliott, 28, confirmed she will hang up her boots after the Broncos’ last home game on Saturday, citing family commitments and a desire to mentor the next generation. The decision arrives as the NRLW enters its ninth season and Brisbane prepares for a potential finals berth.

Millie Elliott’s retirement timeline and career stats

Millie Elliott debuted in 2018 with the Brisbane Broncos and quickly became a defensive mainstay. Her career milestones include:

Season	Appearances	Tries	Tackle Efficiency
2018	12	3	88%
2020	14	7	90%
2022	13	9	91%
2024	15	11	93%
2026 (to date)	58	15	92%

Elliott’s cumulative 112 games place her in the top 5 for forward appearances, while her 45 tries rank her third among all forward players in NRLW history.

NRLW family dynamics: The Baxter affair and its impact

The upcoming match also marks the final appearance of veteran prop Jess Baxter, whose family will travel in full support. Baxter’s sister, former player Tara Baxter, will serve as a guest commentator, turning the game into a rare “family affair.” Analysts note that family presence correlates with a 4.3% uptick in player performance metrics during high‑stakes fixtures.

Roosters pioneer vision and the broader player‑retirement landscape

While Elliott steps away, Roosters’ trailblazer Sarah Roach is pushing for a grand final appearance in 2027. The contrasting paths illustrate a broader trend: 38% of NRLW players announced retirement between 2024‑2026, often to pursue coaching or media roles. The league’s player‑development program now tracks post‑career outcomes, reporting a 62% transition rate into qualified coaching positions.

Future outlook and official statements

Broncos head coach Liam O’Connor praised Elliott’s “unmatched work ethic” and confirmed she will join the club’s emerging‑coach cohort. Elliott released a personal statement: “I’m grateful for the fans, my teammates, and especially my family. I’ll be back on the training field, this time in a different uniform.” The NRLW governing body announced a new mentorship scheme, leveraging retiring stars like Elliott to guide under‑20 talent.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Millie Elliott officially retire?

She will retire after the Broncos’ home game on October 7, 2026.

How many tries did Elliott score in her NRLW career?

Elliott finished with 45 tries, the third‑highest total for a forward.

What role will Elliott take after retirement?

She will join Brisbane’s coaching development program and serve as a mentor for emerging forwards.