The nib Newcastle Knights have appointed an experienced trio of leaders to spearhead their inaugural Telstra Women’s Premiership campaign, which kicks off this Sunday at McDonald Jones Stadium.
In the latest in a series of historic NRLW announcements for the Club, fullback Romy Teitzel has been named Team Captain while Caitlan Johnston and Krystal Rota have been appointed Club Captains.
The trio will form a tight-knit leadership group that will lead the first-ever squad into its rescheduled 2021 Premiership campaign.
NRLW Head Coach Casey Bromilow said all three Captains bring their own strengths to the table, which made the decision to appoint the trio a straightforward one.
“For someone so young, Romy Teitzel has a heap of leadership experience and her appointment as Knights Team Captain is a natural progression,” Bromilow said.
“Having been a part of Origin campaigns and captained the North Queensland Gold Stars, we felt that Romy is the right person to inspire and lead the group, alongside Krystal and Caitlan.
“As a local junior, our first ever signing and co-captain of the Indigenous All Stars, Caitlan is a developing leader and we are excited to see her continue to grow this year. She’ll be helped along the way by Krystal, who has captained the Maori All Stars in the past, and that experience will be vital.
“Together they will support each other and provide strong leadership for the wider group. They will lead by example and do the community proud.”
Teitzel made her NRLW debut for the Brisbane Broncos in 2020.
The 22-year-old captained her hometown club, North Queensland Gold Stars, in their maiden campaign in the Queensland Rugby League Women’s Premiership in 2021, finishing the season by taking out the Player of the Year award.
Homegrown Newcastle talent, Johnston was the first player signed to the NRLW squad having previously played for the Sydney Roosters in the NRLW and represented the Indigneous All Stars and Prime Ministers XIII.
The tough middle forward exemplified her leadership abilities as co-captain of the Indigenous All Stars in the 2022 fixture.
Rota, who tasted NRLW action with the New Zealand Warriors in 2018-19, has captained and played 10 Tests for the Kiwi Ferns and also led the Maori All Stars in 2019 and 2020.
Be a part of history and don't miss the first game on February 27 against the Parramatta Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium. Tickets available HERE.
