More than half of the side are new to the club and around a similar number new to the sport altogether.

They are slowly finding their feet, and while yet to win a game, from the progression she has seen so far, coach Natasha Field is optimistic one isn't too far away.

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"They're all super keen and they get in and take on any advice and just give everything every week," Field said.

"They're just getting better and better, and every game they come off and have something they're very proud of."

Whether that be a great tackle, or strong run, or good steal at the ruck.

If not though for the determined efforts of some of the side's original players, the Magpies might not have been playing at all this season.

At the start of the pre-season, Field said it was looking like they mightn't have the numbers.

Not wanting to see the team fold, the players went on a recruitment mission and from four or five they've ended up with a squad of 14 or 15.

Welcome news for Field, it has meant she can leave her boots safely stowed away after it was starting to look like her retirement might be short-lived.

She said with the players that have come on board this year there is a really good vibe on and off the field.

On Saturday they came up against a strong Barbarians side and while they went down in both games - 27-nil and 29-nil, Field was "really proud of them".

"I think they went really well," she said.

"It was a tough game. It was one of the most physically demanding games we've had. But the girls didn't take a step back. They kept getting up."

"And they kept their heads high, which can be hard when you are losing."

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