Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls will depart the Raiders at the end of the season to return home to New Zealand as the first signing for the new Warriors franchise.
Nicholls played for the Warriors in the first two seasons of the NRLW before COVID forced the club to withdraw and she will return next season after signing a two-year contract.
The 31-year-old was also a foundation player for the Raiders in 2023 and coach Darrin Borthwick said the Canberra vice-captain had been a strong contributor to the club’s culture.
“Apii joined us for our inaugural season in 2023 and her professionalism and leadership has helped us establish the foundations for years to come,” Borthwick said.
“Apii has indicated to us that she will be moving on from the club due to family reasons and we support her decision.
“She will always be remembered as one of the club’s foundation NRLW players and we wish her all the best for the future.”
Meanwhile, the Knights have re-signed rising star Jules Kirkpatrick for a further two seasons through to the end of 2026.
“It was an easy decision to re-sign Jules, due to her great character,” said Knights coach Ben Jeffries.
“Jules constantly displays determination and grit, with a wonderful work ethic, especially during her recent 12-month rehabilitation program, enabling her to return fitter, faster and stronger for 2024.”
Canterbury Bulldogs have continued building a squad for their inaugural NRLW campaign with Jillaroos representative Holli Wheeler headlining five new signings.
Wheeler shapes as a key figure in the Bulldogs’ maiden season next year and will provide crucial leadership on and off the field. The forward has been playing NRLW since the competition’s creation in 2018 and is currently playing a crucial role in the Sharks undefeated start to the year.
