It will prove a homecoming of sorts for Studdon, who began her footy career with the Helensburgh Tigerlilillies alongside Dragons' inaugural NRLW skipper Sammy Bremner.

Penitani was named player of the tournament at the recent national championships after combining with Studdon to spearhead City's push at the crown under Dragons coach Daniel Lacey.

"Maddie is a great get for us and will be a fantastic fit for the team. I've done a lot of homework on her in terms of not only how she'll help the Dragons' game but how we can help her game too," Lacey said.

"I was able to work with her in the NSW City team at the recent National Championships and I really took on board the importance that she does have on a team with her game management so she'll have a big influence on our team.

"Tiana is relatively new to rugby league but she has shown in a short amount of time how good she can be. She played for NSW City at the National Championships and the proof was in the pudding with what she can do.

"It was a no-brainer to sign her on the back of her current form and history in other sports."

LISTEN: Taste of Steel Illawarra Mercury rugby league podcast - episode 6

Maori All Stars fullback Botille Vette-Welsh, Indigenous All Stars centre Shaylee Bent, and NSW Country front-rower Takilele Katoa will also join the Dragons, with Lacey excited at what all three will bring.

"It seems with Botille that no matter where you put her on the field, she contributes to any team she plays for in a big way," Lacey said.

"She has played fullback and hooker for NSW City and in the halves for the Wests Tigers' state premiership team so her versatility is really important for us.

"Seeing Takilele play for Riverina in the Country Rugby League competition, she was the best forward on the paddock for every one of their games.

"Off the back of that she was given the opportunity to represent NSW Country where she shined and now in the Origin team so it's really great to sign a girl at the top of her game.

"The last 12 months we have seen Shaylee develop into a strong ball-runner, a keen learner and someone who has a big future in the game.

"She showcased this while playing for the City team where she moved from the centres to the back row and came up against the likes of Kezie [Apps]."

Current NSW skipper Apps has also been re-signed as have fellow Blues Jessica Sergis and Shakiah Tungai and inaugural Dragons Women's Player of the Year Holli Wheeler.

"It's a great way to get the ball rolling for the Dragons ahead of the second season of the Women's Premiership," Lacey said.

"There's been a lot of hard work done behind the scenes with more time and preparation. We as a staff had a clear mind of what the squad needed to look like as a result.

"We are really happy with the way we have started with these nine players. Our focus still remains on the Dragons' women's pathway too. We are really proud with how it has come along, and are still focused on developing our juniors into NRL players."