The nib Newcastle Knights are delighted to announce the addition of seven new signings to our NRLW squad for the 2021 season.
Similar to the previous announcement of our nine New Zealand players, the signings share a distinct connection.
All seven recruits are Queensland-based and include Emma Manzelmann, Emma Sykes, Katie Green, Paige Parker, Rangimarie Edwards-Bruce, Romy Teitzel and Tahlulah Tillett.
“It’s very exciting to confirm our new signings for the NRLW squad and to see the foundation team come together,” Knights and Wests Group CEO, Mr Phillip Gardner said.
“Our footprint extends from Gosford to the Queensland border, and it’s wonderful to have a mix of local, national and international talent in the team.
“The Club has a long-standing association with Queensland-based players which is continued with today’s announcement.
“We welcome the new signings to our Club and we can’t wait to watch them run out in front of our loyal supporters.”
Townsville-born, Romy Teitzel, joins the Club having made her NRLW debut for the Brisbane Broncos in 2020 before claiming the first-ever QRL Women’s Premiership Player of the Year award in 2021 while playing for the North Queensland Gold Stars.
Adding to the North Queensland flavour, former Gold Stars teammates Emma Manzelmann, Katie Green, Tahlulah Tillett and Rangimarie Edwards-Bruce have signed-on following breakout campaigns in the Queensland competition.
Manzelmann was named the Gold Stars Player of the Year in their inaugural season at only 19 years of age and has represented Queensland at the Under 18’s State of Origin level.
Talented halfback, Tahlulah Tillet, has also previously represented the Indigneous All Stars
All five signings played a key role in the North Queensland side reaching the semi-finals in 2021.
A huge addition to the squad is former Australian rugby sevens star, Emma Sykes, who won a silver medal representing Australia at the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
Another cross-code talent, Paige Parker, joins the Knights inaugural side having made her name in the AFLW league with the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns.
Bedsy: 'This is what the Club is built on'
NRLW Head Coach, Casey Bromilow, said he’s eager to link up with the new signings and have the full squad on the training paddock.
“Our Queensland-based players finalise our 2021 squad making it a very balanced and extremely talented group,” Bromilow said.
“They’re all hard-working and on the verge of exploding into this season to stake claims as elite NRLW players.
“We cannot wait for these ladies to return to Newcastle in January and continue to build something special for our region."
The foundational team has now taken shape with 23 players confirmed for the inbound 2021 season.
The new signings will arrive in Newcastle in early January for pre-season ahead of the highly anticipated Round 1 encounter with the Parramatta Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium on February 27.
