NRLW Signing News

[MakeItStop85]

Yep. 100%.
Just make the NRLW a 12 week State Of Origin series and get it over with.

When a player at the team who finished 3rd and one game shy of the Grand Final, and who had won 2 premierships in a row as recently as 2yrs ago wants to go to Brisbane or Roosters because she wants to win more premierships, then is clear for all to see that there are only two teams in it now. When the team that finished 3rd isn't expected to win anything else from here on out, it shows where the comp is and where it's heading.

We all know that’s not why she’s REALLY going there…

 

[10$ Ferret]

She has gone for the money, Look at the players broncos are losing and you can see they are spending big on her.
Brisbane realise they need some decent halves and they are spending big

 

[Nuke]

We all know that’s not why she’s REALLY going there…

True. Everyone knows, but apparently no-one's allowed to say it.

But my post was just based on what she's saying.

 

[pennywisealfie]

The outrage over this is just because it's the Broncos. Good players switch teams all the time. In fact Newcastle poached Brisbane's two best players in 2020 (Tamika Upton and Millie Boyle) and went onto win two premierships. Where was the outrage over that? None at all. It happens now in reverse and all of a sudden everyone's bottom lip is sticking out.

People are acting like Southwell is another piece being added onto the Brisbane premiership winning squad. But Brisbane have lost Gayle Broughton, Mele Hufanga and Annetta Nu'uausala who are all NZ reps and Keilee Joseph who is an Australian representative.

 

[10$ Ferret]

True. Everyone knows, but apparently no-one's allowed to say it.

Its funny how everyone knows, except those who truly know.
Not me although (as sad and predictable as it sounds) I was reliably informed by someone at the Knights that rumours are not true and it was all about money.

 

[The Axe of Druss]

The outrage over this is just because it's the Broncos. Good players switch teams all the time. In fact Newcastle poached Brisbane's two best players in 2020 (Tamika Upton and Millie Boyle) and went onto win two premierships. Where was the outrage over that? None at all. It happens now in reverse and all of a sudden everyone's bottom lip is sticking out.

People are acting like Southwell is another piece being added onto the Brisbane premiership winning squad. But Brisbane have lost Gayle Broughton, Mele Hufanga and Annetta Nu'uausala who are all NZ reps and Keilee Joseph who is an Australian representative.

Probably the big difference is the Knights didn't just win the comp before Upton and Boyle were signed nor did the Knights finish the year with the top 2 Dally M players and then go buy the player who came 3rd.

If you cant see the difference then you're being deliberately obtuse

 

[Nuke]

It was also just after Newcastle entered the comp so were still putting together a roster. It'd be like if a Southwell or a Sergis or a Brigginshaw got recruited to Canterbury for next season.

And personally, I'd be disappointed to lose a top quality player, but I would be okay if it was to a lowly club or one who just started off in the NRLW.

 

[Apey]

The outrage over this is just because it's the Broncos. Good players switch teams all the time. In fact Newcastle poached Brisbane's two best players in 2020 (Tamika Upton and Millie Boyle) and went onto win two premierships. Where was the outrage over that? None at all. It happens now in reverse and all of a sudden everyone's bottom lip is sticking out.

People are acting like Southwell is another piece being added onto the Brisbane premiership winning squad. But Brisbane have lost Gayle Broughton, Mele Hufanga and Annetta Nu'uausala who are all NZ reps and Keilee Joseph who is an Australian representative.

Nah, there'd be outrage if she went to the Roosters instead too. No doubt Knights fans aren't happy losing her in general since we've developed her since before NRLW existed, but other fans are chiming in due to talent stockpile at the top two clubs. Broncos had more Origin players this year than several of the next tier down clubs combined.

There was probably no outrage because Newcastle finished last in 2021 and poached Boyle and Upton from the 2021 Minor Premiers for 2022. Very different circumstances than the 2025 Premiers who were already 30+ points better than every other team, bar the other powerhouse, signing the best halfback in the game for 2026 from the team closest to competing with the top two.

Btw, those two superstar players we poached to win a couple of comps are now at *checks notes* the Roosters and the Broncos. The Roosters nearly went through the entire season undefeated with the far and away best prop in the game not playing a single game.

I could go on about this, but a realistic question is: with a small salary cap and thus not much difference in on the book salaries, why would any top player say no to the Roosters or Broncos if they were approached? To have less chance to win competitions, less chance to earn rep jerseys, and thus earn less money elsewhere? The Origin bonuses for NRLW make up a ridiculous bonus to their salaries compared to the NRL.

 

[10$ Ferret]

"winning a premiership" is being thrown around too much in the NRLW, sure its definitely important but given the environment (not full time) the money is the big one. (second to life style and situation) Yes the salary cap is not huge but there are ways and its the elite player classification that makes or breaks a deal.
I suspect Brisbane have offered Southwell a deal that could not be matched. That is why they have lost a few players that are reasonable high profile.
The players that Brisbane have lost have not left to win premierships.

 

[Billythekid]

Kind of interesting because I’ve heard a lot of chatter about this at work (at a hospital in Newy) and before now I don’t think I’ve ever heard the NRLW discussed before. Was pretty surprising how many people seem to follow the game.

As someone from Newcastle yeah this sucks but I think it’s all getting blown out of proportion a bit. I think the NRLW will continue having growing pains like this as the number of teams/games/salary etc continues to rise.

 

[Super Freak]

I just want to know what people expect Broncos to do?

They are losing two rep halves in 12 months. Are they not supposed to find the best player possible for that position because "it's not fair?"

We're developing Adams but she's not ready for the step up yet.

 

[Apey]

"winning a premiership" is being thrown around too much in the NRLW, sure its definitely important but given the environment (not full time) the money is the big one. (second to life style and situation) Yes the salary cap is not huge but there are ways and its the elite player classification that makes or breaks a deal.

Well, regardless of her true reasons, Southwell has said one of her reasons for signing with Broncos is to win a premiership.

I suspect Brisbane have offered Southwell a deal that could not be matched. That is why they have lost a few players that are reasonable high profile.

Jesse turned down a 7 year contract to sign for the Broncos for 2 years. So maybe.

Revealed: Knights star turned down biggest deal in history to quit the club

The club has spoken on the 'disappointing' departure.

www.newcastleherald.com.au

 

[The Axe of Druss]

I just want to know what people expect Broncos to do?

They are losing two rep halves in 12 months. Are they not supposed to find the best player possible for that position because "it's not fair?"

We're developing Adams but she's not ready for the step up yet.

If the Broncos mens team lost Reynolds and signed Cleary for 2026 the same ?? would be asked mate

Stop making out like the Broncos are looking for some missing piece to take the next step up. They are the current premiers

 

[10$ Ferret]

If the Broncos mens team lost Reynolds and signed Cleary for 2026 the same ?? would be asked mate

Stop making out like the Broncos are looking for some missing piece to take the next step up. They are the current premiers

But with the worst half in the game and a #6 (who is now gone) that had a really poor kicking game.
Sothwell will go a long way to sorting that out.

@Apey I don't disagree with you about Southwell, but I know several others that its about $s and or family

 

[The Axe of Druss]

But with the worst half in the game and a #6 (who is now gone) that had a really poor kicking game.
Sothwell will go a long way to sorting that out.

@Apey I don't disagree with you about Southwell, but I know several others that its about $s and or family

So they'll be even stronger next year, the team that was already the best team in the comp, and the team they took Southwell from will be weaker.

Thankyou for so neatly illustrating my point