A further three added to NRLW squad
Wests Tigers is delighted to announce a further three NRLW signings well in advance of the 2024 Telstra Women’s Premiership.
Joining the now 22-strong squad is former Rugby 7s player Claudia Nielsen, powerful forward Natasha Penitani, and Harmony Crichton, who played for Wests Tigers in the Tarsha Gale Cup and NSW Women’s Premiership this year.
Nielsen is a talented athlete who has excelled at a variety of sports, including hockey. An extremely fit outside back from Tamworth, she is also completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity which is a new chapter for me,” said Nielsen.
Wests Tigers have such a strong women’s program, wonderful facilities and people who really care about developing us as players.
Claudia Nielsen
After three seasons playing for Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, Penitani was rewarded with international honours in 2023, playing alongside older sister Tiana for Tonga in this year’s Pacific Championships.
“This is a big move for me and one that I’m really looking forward to in the new year,” said Penitani.
Playing alongside Tiana with Tonga was a great experience and really helped my development as a player.
Natasha Penitani
“I guess there’ll be a bit of extra family rivalry when we come up against the Sharks next season.”
Crichton, like her three-time premiership-winning brother Stephen, is a strong-running centre. The 19-year-old has signed a three-year deal and says her brother is her biggest supporter.
“He is such a good mentor for me and my biggest supporter,” said Crichton.
“I’ve always looked up to him and we often spend time together down the park. In fact, most of what I know is from Stephen.
“I’m so excited about my first NRLW opportunity here with Wests Tigers.”
Wests Tigers NRLW coach Brett Kimmorley says the 2024 squad is very well balanced.
“Even though it’s still a long way off, we are all really excited about how the squad is coming together,” said Kimmorley.
Like our first season, there is a wealth of experience blended with a mix of exciting young local juniors.
Brett Kimmorley
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Claudia and Natasha to the club and I’m excited by what they bring to the squad.
“This is also a big step in development for Harmony and it’s great to see her locked in long term.”
Updated Wests Tigers 2024 NRLW squad:
Botille Vette-Welsh, Tess Staines, Leianne Tufuga, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Emily Curtain, Sarah Togatuki, Ebony Prior, Christian Pio, Kezie Apps, Najvada George, Sophie Curtain, Imogen Gobran, Jessica Kennedy, Rikeya Horne, Losana Lutu, Salma Nour, Eliza Siilata, Tiana Lee-Thorne, Brooke Talataina, Claudia Nielsen, Natasha Penitani, Harmony Crichton
Secure your 2024 Wests Tigers NRLW Membership today.
