Otesa Pule has extended her contract with the Roosters for an additional two years which will see her remain with the club until at least the end of 2026.
The 21-year-old forward made her NRLW debut with the Roosters in 2022, progressing through the club’s Tarsha Gale and NSW Women’s Premiership sides that same year.
In her debut season, Pule was also a member of the Kiwi Ferns squad in the World Cup squad and has played eight Tests to date.
“‘Tes’ (Pule) brings energy and a determination to improve to every session. She has a team first mentality and there’s no doubt that she will play a crucial role in our future success,” Roosters NRLW coach John Strange said.
Pule’s re-signing comes after the Roosters added former Eel Taina Naividi and development list player Eliza Lopamaua to their Top 24 for the upcoming season.
Naividi made her NRLW debut in the delayed 2021 NRLW season with Parramatta and she makes her return to the NRLW after recovering from an ACL injury.
Lopamaua, who was vice-captain for the 2022 inaugural Australian Schoolgirls team, has progressed to the NRLW squad via the Roosters Female Pathway Program.
Fellow Kiwi Ferns international Madison Bartlett has extended her time with the Raiders until the end of the 2026 NRLW season in a bid to push for World Cup selection.
Bartlett, who has scored 18 NRLW tries from 25 games since her debut in 2019, missed last year’s Pacific Championships but wants to regain her New Zealand jersey.
Canberra’s leading tryscorer of 2023, with nine tries in seven appearances, Bartlett said she was excited about continuing to play under Darren Borthwick and have her long-term future settled with the Raiders.
“My short-term goal is doing well with the team but I think also having a consistent coach helps with going to the next level,” Bartlett said.
“I obviously missed out on Kiwis last year but with the World Cup in 2026, I think being settled with a coach that knows what he needs to get out of me and how to get it out of me is probably one thing as well that is a real positive.”
Rugby Sevens convert Georgia Grey has earned the final spot in the Titans’ NRLW squad for the 2024 season.
The teenager has been elevated from Gold Coast’s development list and created history by scoring the first try in the Manly Sea Eagles’ opening round of the Harvey Norman NSW Cup last weekend.
With Grey’s promotion, Titans Academy playmaker Lailani Montgommery has joined the NRLW squad in the vacant development spot role.
Parramatta have signed New Zealand rugby representative Rosie Kelly to a one-year deal for this year’s NRLW campaign.
The playmaker has made two appearances for the Black Ferns and joins the Eels after returning from New Zealand’s pre-Olympic camp in France.
“Playing in the NRLW is an exciting challenge in my career and I look forward to getting to know the girls,” Kelly said.
“There’s a couple of players in the Eels NRLW who I know from international rugby, and I hope to help our debutants and young Harvey Norman pathway players to achieve their goals.”
The Sharks have extended Kiwi star Annessa Biddle on a new two-year contract to remain at the club until at least the end of 2027.
The 2023 NRLW Dally M Rookie of the Year burst onto the scene last season, scoring two tries across eight matches for the Sharks before earning her maiden New Zealand cap in October.
“Annessa was outstanding last season and, scarily, is only going to get better with more experience,” coach Tony Herman said.
“Not only is she naturally gifted, but Annessa also works extremely hard and is a pleasure to coach. She will be a pillar of our team for years to come.”
The news comes after former Jillaroos and New South Wales representative Nakia Davis-Welsh has earned an NRLW contract with the Sharks for the upcoming season while Talei Holmes re-signed until the end of 2026.
American recruit Liz Tafuna has been released by Sydney Roosters on medical grounds ahead of the upcoming NRLW season.
Tafuna, who has represented the USA in rugby sevens, arrived in Australia earlier this month for pre-season training after becoming the first North American player signed on an NRLW contract.
However, after undergoing a series of medical tests a health condition was detected which would impact on her preparation to play in the NRLW this season.
Despite being too unwell to complete the testing at the combine, a number of clubs expressed interest in Tafuna and Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said he hoped she would get another opportunity in the NRLW.
“It’s really unfortunate for Liz and the club but her health is our first priority,” Kelly said. “Hopefully she can resolve her health issues and we will see her back out here in the future.”
Tafuna’s departure leaves the Roosters with a position to fill in their NRLW squad and the club will sign another player in coming weeks.
The Broncos, meanwhile, have locked down the final spots on their roster with the signings of Lavinia Gould and Bree Spreadborough.
Gould is a Broncos ‘original’, maintaining her spot as one of only five players still on the roster from the inaugural 2018 season along with Ali Brigginshaw, Julia Robinson, Chelsea Lenarduzzi and Mariah Denman.
Brisbane’s final place in the 24-player NRLW squad has been given to backrower Spreadborough who has been playing with the Central Queensland Capras in the BMD Premiership competition.
The Gold Coast Titans have farewelled rugby league icon Steph Hancock, who has joined the Dragons for 2024 as an injury replacement for Tara McGrath-West, who has been ruled out for the campaign with a sternum injury.
Pihuka Berryman-Duff and forward Jade Fonua will continue their NRLW careers with Parramatta. Both youngsters made their NRLW debuts with the Eels last season and have each signed a one-year deal to return in 2024.
The Knights have signed former New Zealand netball star Grace Kukutai and fellow Super Rugby convert Isabella Waterman for the upcoming NRLW season.
Canberra rounded out its roster for 2024 with the addition of rookie trio Jaida Faleono, Tatiana Finau and Relna Wuruki-Hosea.
Official 2024 Squad Lists
- See the official signings tracker hub
Updated NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership rosters for the 2024 season are below. Contract lengths, as well as player, club and mutual options, are listed in full.
- Player option (PO): Player has the option to activate additional year(s)
- Club option (CO): Club has the option to activate additional year(s)
- Mutual option (MO): Both parties discuss the option to activate additional year(s)
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