NRLW Players: Bianca Bennetts

Two years ago, Bianca Bennetts thought her time at Wests Tigers was over.

Now, after being swayed by a former trainer and recently signing an NRLW contract, the 22-year-old Campbelltown junior is confident about the season ahead.

“When I was 19, I was in the training squad for the Harvey Norman side, but during Covid I had to get a new job, and the hours I was working meant I couldn’t make training,” said Bennetts.

“One of the old trainers from Tarsha Gale asked me if I wanted to come and train with the training squad, and I thought why not. I enjoyed it so much that I stayed.

“I'm feeling very comfortable here now because most of the squad is from the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership side from previous seasons.

“All the new girls who have come in are very welcoming, very confident, and it’s just a good vibe to be around every day.”

Bennetts began her junior rugby league as a seven-year-old playing for Ashcroft Stallions. 

She played the next six years alongside the Curtain sisters at Eagle Vale St Andrews, before joining Wests Tigers Tarsha Gale Cup.

“I’m not exactly sure how I got into playing rugby league but my siblings all played," she said.

Mum told me that I just decided to play one year, and that was it.

Bianca Bennetts

Bennetts has played the past two seasons with Wests Tigers’ NSW Women's Premiership team and was a member of last season’s premiership-winning side.

A hamstring injury prevented Bennetts from being available for last year's Harvey Norman Grand Final but she was there to watch the historic victory.

“Unfortunately I suffered a grade-two hamstring strain a few weeks before the grand final," she said.

It was the second grand final team I have ever been a part of, so it was a very special feeling.

Bianca Bennetts

“I’ve seen Emily (Curtain) kick that field goal twice now, so I was confident it would go over from the moment she kicked it."

An NRLW debut this season will see the 22-year-old join a growing list of female players who have progressed through Wests Tigers’ pathways teams, having played in the Tarsha Gale and Harvey Norman Women's Premiership competitions.

Bianca is excited and proud to be in Wests Tigers system.

“One hundred per cent I am proud because I feel not a lot of other clubs can provide that opportunity to progress from Tarsha Gale, Harvey Norman, and into the NRLW," she said.

It’s a great achievement for the club.

Bianca Bennetts

Bennetts has also played quite a bit of Rugby 7s, and competed at the 2022 Sevens tournament in Dubai, but says her focus right now is playing NRLW.

"This club makes our experience so professional and enjoyable because of all the people involved with the club," she said.

"Having Brett Kimmorley as our coach again is great.

"He’s experienced it at all levels in rugby league, and understands what is expected.

“If I’m given the okay to play Rugby 7ss and the opportunity is still there, I might be back over in Dubai later in the year.

Right now all I have eyes for is playing NRLW with Wests Tigers.

Bianca Bennetts