The nib Newcastle Knights are two steps closer to finalising their playing list for the Telstra Women’s Premiership with NRLW legend Nita Maynard and former Young Matildas captain Sheridan Gallagher signing on for 2023.
Maynard is a veteran of five seasons and 18 matches at NRLW level, having turned out for the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos, and was a part of the Roosters Grand Final sides of 2018-19.
The hooker’s outstanding contribution extends into the representative arena, having represented New Zealand at the last two World Cups, including playing in the Kiwi Ferns side that took on Australia in the World Cup Final last November at Old Trafford.
She has also represented New Zealand at World Cup 9’s level, the Māori All Stars in 2021, and played for New South Wales in State of Origin 2018 and the Australian Wallaroos and Sevens sides in Rugby Union.
“Nita boasts a wealth of experience and we are incredibly excited to have a player of her calibre and character join us,” nib Newcastle Knights NRLW head coach Ronald Griffiths says.
“She’s an adept hooker with excellent service from the ruck, and her strength and tenacity in defence will suit the Newcastle style of football we are looking to play.
“She was a mainstay of a very strong North Sydney Bears side in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership this season and she comes with a glowing endorsement from their Coach, Rob Capizzi.
“Between her recent form and her experience at club and representative level, she will be an asset for us this season.”
Gallagher’s rugby league career may be embryonic, however it got off to a flyer in season 2023 as a part of Mounties Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership title-winning squad.
However, it is her exploits in the round-ball game that she is best known for, captaining the Young Matildas to the 2022 Under 20’s women’s World Cup in Costa Rica after representing the Western Sydney Wanderers in the A Leagues in 2021-22.
A product of Westfields Sports High, where she was named the 2019 Sports Person of the Year, Gallagher has represented Australia at Schools and under 19’s level and has also experience in the US college system with William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Her ascension to the NRLW is just the latest feather in the talented all-rounder’s cap, who also competed at high level in Show Jumping as a teenager.
“Sheridan is an astute signing by our recruitment team and we are really looking forward to seeing what her future holds,” Griffiths said.
“Her competitive edge showed clearly even after two games of rugby league with Mounties, and she is eager to learn and focus her energy into becoming an elite rugby league player.
“She has played soccer at an elite level and while her rugby league learning curve will continue to be steep for a while yet, she grew up in a rugby league household so our game is by no way foreign to her.
“As a coach, it’s rare that you get the chance to work with a multi-disciplinary athlete of such quality and we are very confident that she will make a valuable contribution.”
The signings of Maynard and Gallagher all but complete the Knights squad for season 2023, with just one main squad position and four development list players yet to be confirmed.
