The nib Newcastle Knights are thrilled to announce a further nine signings to our NRLW squad for the 2021 season.
Featuring a direct New Zealand influence, all nine players have represented the Kiwi Ferns on the international stage.
The Club has attained the services of Annetta Nuuausala, Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly, Charlotte Scanlan, Charntay Poko, Kararaina Wira-Kohu, Katelyn Vaha’akolo, Krystal Rota, Maitua Feterika and Ngatokotoru Arakua for the upcoming campaign.
Newcastle Knights and Wests Group CEO, Mr Phillip Gardner, said the latest signings are a huge coup for the Club.
“The announcement of our nine New Zealand players is an incredible moment for the inaugural NRLW side,” Gardner said.
“The ability to attract the calibre of international players that we have is extremely positive for our Club and is a major statement of intent for the campaign.
“I look forward to welcoming the new players to Newcastle and watching them run out in the red and blue jersey.”
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The Club welcomes flyers Katelyn Vaha’akolo and Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly, who have played one Test each for the Ferns in which they both scored memorable debut tries.
The versatile, Maitua Feterika, will don the red and blue having played 10 Tests for the Ferns and featured in the premiership-winning Brisbane Broncos side of 2018, alongside former Bronco and experienced NRLW player in Ngatokotoru Arakua.
Breakout star from the 2019 NRLW season and former New Zealand Warrior, Charntay Poko, joins the team while teammate and former Warrior, Annetta Nuuausala, has also been recruited.
Furthermore, former Auckland women’s sevens captain, Charlotte Scanlan, has signed while Maori All Stars representatives, Krystal Rota and, Kararaina Wira-Kohu, have also come on board.
NRLW Head Coach, Casey Bromilow, said the recruits provide crucial experience and will play an instrumental role in the foundation team.
Gardner and Bromilow officially announce first NRLW signings
“It’s exciting to have nine international New Zealand players joining us,” Bromilow said.
“All of these players bring a wealth of experience and talent to our playing group.
“It’s a throwback to the 1988 men’s team where there was a big mix of local talent and international players from New Zealand. Similar to then, the players will help drive the culture within the Club.
“We can’t wait to have them here in January.”
The latest signings will join the playing group in early January and will begin pre-season training at the new Centre of Excellence.
