Exciting outside backs join Wests Tigers NRLW squad

Wests Tigers is delighted to announce the signing of two exciting outside backs ahead of the club’s inaugural season in the NRLW.

The addition of Jakiya Whitfeld and Leianne Tufuga takes Wests Tigers 2023 NRLW squad list to 19 players, leaving a further five players still to be confirmed.

Whitfeld played NRLW with Newcastle Knights last year and finished this season as the leading try scorer in the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership, playing for North Sydney Bears.

A former Rugby 7s player for Australia, Jakiya is one of five children who grew up in a small country town near Bathurst, NSW.

Also 21 years of age is New Zealand-born centre Tufuga, who began playing rugby league two years ago with Cronulla Sharks in the NSW Women’s Premiership, before being snapped up by the Roosters to play in the NRLW. 

Whitfeld says she is excited about the season ahead.

“To be a part of the very first Wests Tigers NRLW team is something very special,” she said.

It’s a great group of girls we have here and I have heard nothing but good things about the club.

Jakiya Whitfeld

Tufuga is equally enthusiastic about her new home.

“I know quite a few of the girls in the squad and there is a lot of experience and youth,” said Tufuga.

“I think it’s a terrific bunch of players, and I can’t wait to throw myself into pre-season training.

The Zurich Centre looks amazing, and we have so many things to be positive about ahead of our first season.

Leianne Tufuga

Wests Tigers 2023 NRLW Squad:

Kezie Apps, Bianca Bennetts, Emily Curtain, Sophie Curtain, Imogen Gobran, Najvada George, Rikeya Horne, Jessica Kennedy, Josie Lenaz, Losana Lutu, Christian Pio, Rebecca Pollard, Ebony Prior, Tess Staines, Hope Tevaga, Sarah Togatuki, Leianne Tufuga, Botille Vette-Welsh, Jakiya Whitfeld

A further five players will be announced before the squad assembles for pre-season training on May 29.