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.