St George Illawarra have moved quickly in the race for the game’s best female players by signing Jillaroos trio Kezie Apps, Sam Bremner and Talesha Quinn for the inaugural women’s NRL competition.

Each of the clubs in the four-team league, which includes the Dragons, Brisbane, Sydney Roosters and Warriors, are fighting it out for the game’s top-end talent after a signing window opened up last week.

A pool comprising of the 40 NRL-contracted players, as well as the top 20 from New Zealand, can be signed as marquees until June 11.

Clubs will then finalise their squads for the competition, where games are set to be held as double-headers during the men’s NRL finals series, via free agency.

The Dragons unveiled their big names on Tuesday, including 2016 Women’s Player of the Year in Apps.

“It’s really exciting and something that I never thought I’d be able to ever achieve. I can’t believe it’s actually happening that I’ll be playing for an NRL club,” Apps said.

“The Dragons have helped me so much personally so it’s very exciting to represent them on the field as well as off the field.”

Bremner was signed after leading NSW Country to a national championships title last week and was crowned player of the tournament.

“It’s a big day for women’s rugby league and me personally. It feels like yesterday I was trying to get my friends to learn and play with me back in 2010 for Helensburgh,” Bremner said.

“Now I’m signing one of the first NRL women’s contracts. It’s crazy to think how far the women’s game has come. It gives me goosebumps. I’m really excited and looking forward to playing for the Dragons.”