A prop forward who grew up in Liverpool and a fullback born in Queensland will bolster the Wests Tigers NRLW squad in 2025.
They are Jade Fonua and Jetaya Faifua, both international representatives who featured for Tonga and Samoa at the recent Pacific Championships.
Fonua, pictured above, is a 27-year-old middle forward who grew up in Liverpool.
Primarily a lock/prop who can also fill in at dummy half, Fonua has made 14 NRLW appearances for the Eels since 2023. She played all nine matches for Parramatta last season.
Faifua is a 21-year-old fullback, also capable of playing in the halves, or at hooker.
A Queenslander who grew up on the Gold Coast, the live-wire recruit has provided versatility and X-factor at NRLW level since debuting for the Titans as an 18-year-old in 2021.
She has featured for the Cowboys in recent years, and her try for Samoa against Papua New Guinea in November was an outstanding showcase of footwork and speed.
The recruits are excited to begin their new NRLW journey with Wests Tigers.
“I’m really excited for this new chapter at this club, I cannot wait to get in and get to work with the girls,” said Fonua.
“We’ve got some really good players here at Wests Tigers.
“I’m just excited to step out onto the field in the new colours.”
Faifua echoed her new teammate’s sentiments.
“I’m really pleased to sign with Wests Tigers this year and am very grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me.
“After speaking with [NRLW head coach] Noddy and the coaching staff, I have felt very welcomed already and love the values the club upholds.
“I’m super excited to meet and get to know all the girls in the coming months and can’t wait to kick off the 2025 season.”
The NRLW season kicks off in July, with an away match against the Broncos in Round 1.
