Wests Tigers have announced another three top NRLW signings ahead of the 2024 Telstra Women’s Premiership.
Joining the 22-strong squad is former Rugby 7s player Claudia Nielsen, Harmony Crichton and powerful forward Natasha Penitani.
Crichton, pictured left, played for Wests Tigers in the Tarsha Gale Cup and NSW Women’s Premiership this year.
Nielsen, at right, 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,” Nielsen said.
“Wests Tigers have such a strong women’s program, wonderful facilities and people who really care about developing us as players.”
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 the Pacific Championships.
“This is a big move for me and one that I’m really looking forward to,” Penitani said.
“Playing alongside Tiana with Tonga was a great experience and really helped my development as a player.
“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,” he said.
“Like our first season, there is a wealth of experience blended with a mix of exciting young local juniors.
“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.”
