The Newcastle Jets are continuing to shore up their A-League Women’s (ALW) playing stocks with another three major signings.
Midfielder Libby Copus-Brown re-signed with the club for another two years while newcomers Bel Rolley and Danielle Krzyzaniak will enter the fold for the 2024/25 season.
In a further boost, Tiahna Robertson, who linked up with the Jets towards the end of 2023/24 as an injury replacement player, will remain, too.
Their commitment to Newcastle is a huge boost for Ryan Campbell’s squad after the side reached the semi-final series – and hosted a play-off showdown at the Maitland Regional Sportsground, in 2023/24.
Novocastrian Copus-Brown returned to the Jets in 2023 after spending time with Lewes FC in England and the Western Sydney Wanderers.
In total, she’s made 62 appearances for Newcastle, scoring six goals.
“I’m really happy to re-sign at my hometown club for the next two seasons,” she said.
“We have some of the best fans who support us through the highs and lows.
“I’m really confident we will continue to build off the success of last season.
“We were a new group and have retained a good core of the squad, so this is only the beginning for us.
“I can’t wait for the competition to begin.”
Campbell was thrilled with Copus-Brown’s decision to stay.
“Libby had a good season and was a key player in our run into the finals,” he said.
“It is great to get her locked in for two more seasons at the club, especially with her being a local player who started her football at the Jets.
“I am looking forward to working with Libby further.”
American defender Rolley, who holds dual US and Australian citizenship, grew up representing Merewether United in Newcastle.
She then moved to the States where she completed five years in college playing for the University of Southern California, University of Oregon and the University of Illinois, tallying more than 60 games.
“It’s a very exciting moment to be able to come back home and start my professional career here,” Rolley said.
“I’m so grateful to get the chance to play in front of my family and alongside my brother Bronson, who is in the Jets’ Academy.
“More than 15 years ago, I was playing for Merewether United and sitting in the stands of Newcastle games.
“Now, after a successful college career, I can’t wait to join this club and help us contend for an A-League grand final this season.”
Despite being overseas, Rolley stayed on Campbell’s radar.
“Bel has been somebody that I have been monitoring for a while now through video as well as communicating with her consistently,” he said.
“From the conversations I have had with her, as well as her clear ability that has been demonstrated from what I have seen so far, I believe she will fit seamlessly into our way of playing.
“She has the physical characteristics that we are looking for in a central defender as well as a confidence in her ability to build from the back in possession of the ball.
“Adding someone with the quality Bel possesses will elevate our strong squad further in a key area that we identified as necessary.”
Canadian goalkeeper Krzyzaniak joins Newcastle after recently playing in the Czech Republic with AC Sparta Prague.
Prior to that, the 27-year-old honed her skills in Romania with FC Carmen Bucuresti.
“It’s an honour to represent the Jets for the upcoming season,” Krzyzaniak said.
“I’ve always wanted to play in the A-League, so I was ecstatic when this opportunity arose.
“I’m looking forward to being exposed to a different style of play.
“I’m hoping I can make a positive impact and help my team succeed.
“I can’t wait to play alongside my new teammates and, together, give our all for the club.”
Krzyzaniak’s arrival fills the gap from Izzy Nino’s departure.
“The goalkeeper position is an area that I have spent a lot of my time ensuring we get right with our recruitment,” Campbell said.
“With the style of play we are looking to implement, having someone that fits the profile, both physically and also technically, has been a key focus.
“The first time I spoke with Danielle, I identified a lot of positive aspects that match the team and club’s philosophy.
“I’m looking forward to getting her here.”
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