New Zealand Black Fern and Super Rugby player Rosie Kelly has signed with the Eels' NRLW team.
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Black Fern Kelly signs with Eels
The Parramatta Eels are pleased to announce that New Zealand Black Fern and Super Rugby player Rosie Kelly has signed with the Club’s NRLW program on a one-year contract for the 2024 season.
Parramatta Eels NRLW coach Steve Georgallis said the Club is delighted to sign a player of Rosie’s calibre.
“Signing a player of Rosie’s ability is great news for our Club and Parramatta Eels fans,” said Steve Georgallis.
“Rosie will bring plenty of strike power to our outside backs and we know her expertise and passion will have a flow on affect across the squad,” he added.
Returning from New Zealand’s pre-Olympic camp in France, Rosie said she was excited to bring her experience to the Blue & Gold.
“Playing in the NRLW is an exciting challenge in my career and I look forward to getting to know the girls,” said Rosie Kelly.
“There’s a couple of players in the Eels NRLW who I know from international rugby, and I hope to help our debutants and young Harvey Norman pathway players to achieve their goals,” she added.
The 24-year-old has gained experience in domestic and international competition.
As one of only a few girls on the New Zealand west coast who played rugby at a young age, Rosie was forced to play with her brothers and their friends. It taught her to be tough, physical, and instilled quick decision making.
Rosie made her debut for Canterbury 7’s whilst still at school and captained her school’s first XV’s in Year 13 as a specialised halfback.
She was a member of Canterbury’s winning 2017 Farah Palmer Cup competition and was then selected in the NZ Barbarians squad to play the Black Ferns in two matches.
Rosie led Matatū in their first Super Rugby Aupiki premiership win in 2023, and was named in the 34-player squad for the Black Ferns in their build up to the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
The Parramatta Eels NRLW will hold their first trial game against the St George Illawarra Dragons this Saturday, 13 July at Eric Tweedle Stadium at 1pm.
