The nib Newcastle Knights are delighted to confirm the re-signing of five more members of the Club’s 2022 Telstra Women’s Premiership-winning team as season 2023 draws closer.
Dummy half Olivia Higgins, prop Tayla Predebon, lock Simone Karpani, prop Kayla Romanuik and second rower Tiana Davison have all extended their stays at the Knights after featuring heavily throughout the 2022 campaign.
Higgins, Predebon and Karpani will all be chasing their third straight Premiership after joining the Knights from the Roosters ahead of last season, while Kurri Kurri junior Romaniuk and New Zealander Davison featured in three and two matches respectively in their NRLW debut seasons.
Of the quintet, Higgins, Predebon and Romaniuk are all local juniors – further underlining the strong thread of talent from Newcastle and the Hunter that is woven through the 2023 squad.
Predebon and Romaniuk have each signed two-year deals whilst Higgins has signed a one year agreement.
Brisbane-born Karpani, a South Adelaide Bulldogs junior who has also had NSW Premiership stints with Cronulla, Wests Tigers, Central Coast and the Knights, has also signed for one year, as has Davison, a rugby union convert from Taranaki on New Zealand’s north island.
“We are extremely honoured to have all five players recommit for the upcoming season,” Knights NRLW Head Coach Ronald Griffiths said
“These signings underpin the connections we have built as a group over the last 12 months or so, through the NRLW title last year and into this year’s Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership campaign.
“Each player brings their own unique strengths and adds value in a myriad of ways.
“Tayla and Kayla are both blessed with natural leadership ability and have wonderful second phase options in their games, while Olivia provides excellent service and a strong defensive resolve. Their experience will be vital in building upon the foundations we have set.
“All three were this week rewarded with selection in the New South Wales Country team, which is a great honour for all male or female players who have represented Country from any era.
“Furthermore, Simone is extremely diligent in her preparation and is utterly committed to being her best self. She is a hugely valued team member who is selfless in delivering on those effort areas that all teams rely upon.
“And Tiana’s commitment to her teammates and our Club, which includes a full time move away from her family in New Zealand, is unquestioned. She is the very embodiment of a great team member and her second NRLW contract is thoroughly deserved.”
Further announcements of both new and returning players are imminent ahead of the start of pre-season training on 29 May.
