The Newcastle Knights NRLW side is determined to shed its “wooden spooners” tag, amassing an impressive array of talent for the upcoming season.
The Hunter-based outfit finished last in its debut year, earlier in 2022, but displayed glimpses of promise with limited preparation.
Now, under the guidance of coach Ronald Griffiths, the Knights’ recruitment drive has moved into top gear in readiness for the fifth instalment of the competition, which kicks off in August.
The combatants are expected to contest five rounds, as well as a two-week finals series.
After confirming the retention of captain Romy Teitzel, Caitlan Johnston, Bobbi Law, Emma Manzelmann, Kyra Simon, Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly and Kirra Dibb, Newcastle’s wasted no time to boost its playing stocks.
Brisbane Broncos stars Millie Boyle and Tamika Upton headline the newcomers and rightly so after their respective success in the NRLW.
However, the big names continue to sign with the Knights.
Sydney Roosters’ premiership-winning members Hannah Southwell, Yasmin (nee Meakes) Clydsdale and Olivia Higgins will return “home”.
Born and bred in Newcastle, Southwell is a Kotara Bears junior and has been a part of the NRLW since its inception in 2018.
The Jillaroo admitted she was proud to represent her hometown.
“It’s a very exciting opportunity to be able to wear the red and blue colours, having grown up in Newcastle and loved watching the Knights,” Southwell said.
“I have fond memories of going to games as a kid and watching the likes of the Johns brothers, Paul Harragon and Danny Buderus.
“It will be great to take on a leadership role within the playing group and the chance to potentially play with my sister Jesse down the track is also a huge bonus.
“The pathways created for female participation in this area presents so many opportunities.
“So, I look forward to helping grow the game in the region.
“I believe we can build something special at the club.”
Newcastle-born Clydsdale, who works as a teacher in Scone, will play for the Knights after commuting to the Roosters for the past two NRLW seasons.
The 28-year-old second-rower has also represented NSW at State of Origin level.
Novocastrian Higgins enjoyed an NRLW season to remember with consistent performances and a match-winning try to seal the Roosters’ grand final win earlier this year.
Another two arrivals, Tayla Predebon and Simone Karpani, will provide power and punch to Newcastle’s middle.
Predebon, who grew up in Gloucester, was a member of the 2019 CRL Knights team, which won the NSWRL Women’s Premiership, alongside Higgins, Southwell and Johnston.
Karpani, who resides in Newcastle after playing her junior rugby league in Adelaide, also made her debut during the 2021 season with immediate impact.
Also linking up with the squad are Muswellbrook-born Australia, NSW and Indigenous All Stars representative Caitlin Moran, Central Queensland Capras and Queensland under 19’s centre Emmanita Paki, former Roosters NRLW fullback Shanice Parker, Kiwi Ferns’ Kiana Takairangi, ex-ACT Brumbies super rugby women’s outside back Tamsin Barber, former New Zealand junior union rep Tiana Davison and Newcastle-raised ex-NSW Waratah Nicole Nathan.
2022 Newcastle Knights NRLW squad (updated):
Millie Boyle
Tamika Upton
Hannah Southwell
Yasmin Clydsdale
Romy Teitzel
Caitlan Johnston
Olivia Higgins
Emma Manzelmann
Bobbi Law
Tayla Predebon
Simone Karpani
Kyra Simon
Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly
Shanice Parker
Tamsin Barber
Nicole Nathan
Tiana Davison
Kiana Takairangi
Caitlin Moran
Emmanita Paki
Kirra Dibb
