NRLW Players: Jessica Kennedy

Jessica Kennedy is big on loyalty, and her loyalty to Wests Tigers has been rewarded with a first NRLW contract.

“I’m big on loyalty and for the club to give me that back, I’m extremely grateful,” said the 20-year-old forward.

A late bloomer, Kennedy began playing rugby league as a 14-year-old in the Penrith district Under 18s competition for the Lower Mountains Sea Eagles, before moving to Glenmore Park.

Kennedy was approached by former Tigers’ Tarsha Gale coach Paul Bent in 2019 and has been with the club for the past five seasons.

In 2021, Kennedy debuted for the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership side and co-captained NSW City.

"I had a really good Tarsha Gale season that year and felt I developed a lot as a player,” she said.

Making the NSW City team was the biggest reward I could have ever asked for.

Jess Kennedy

Sharing a house with teammates, including Kezie Apps, means Jessica has a great support network around her.

“I love learning from all the older girls,” said Kennedy.

“Seeing how Kezie carries herself at training and on the field and in life is amazing to see.

“I’m finding it really easy to go to my more experienced teammates for advice and learning from them is pretty easy as well.”

A member of the 2022 premiership winning Harvey Norman squad, Kennedy acknowledges a sense of confidence and familiarity in the playing group.

“It is very exciting because we’ve already got such a great connection,” she said.

“We all know each other’s strengths and has made it a lot easier, without the need for any ice breakers.

Before the season kicked off Kennedy was keen to make her NRLW debut. 

“I really just want to make my debut and I want to make an impression and cement my spot in the team,” said Kennedy in pre-season.

That debut came a bit out of the blue a fortnight ago in Canberra, when an injury in warm-up to Folau Vaki saw Kennedy elevated to the bench.   

She then played her second NRLW game against the Cowboys last weekend in Brisbane.

Kennedy is one of several NRLW players who have come through the club’s pathways teams and rewarded for their loyalty.

“Now with an NRLW team it means girls coming through have something to aim for, and I know Wests Tigers are really serious about growing the women’s game.

“Everyone associated with the club is keen for us to do well and it’s just so exciting to be a part of the inaugural side.”

Next up for Wests Tigers is a clash against the Dragons at CommBank Stadium on Saturday, which leads into the NRL Round 25 match against the Dolphins.