Ellie Brander is an exciting young forward for the Canberra Raiders NRLW side, recognised for her toughness, work ethic and strong leadership qualities. A Newcastle product and Wyong Roos junior, Brander has rapidly progressed through the elite female pathways, earning a reputation as one of the game's emerging young talents.

Prior to joining the Raiders, Brander was a development player with the Sydney Roosters NRLW program and played a key role in the Roosters' Tarsha Gale Cup and Harvey Norman Women's Premiership teams. She also captained Central Coast Sports College to a NSW PCYC Schoolgirls Cup title, where she was named Player of the Final.

Brander joined the Canberra Raiders ahead of the 2026 NRLW season and achieved a major career milestone when she made her NRLW debut in Round 3 against the Sydney Roosters. Her debut was the reward for years of dedication and development through the representative ranks