Hannah Southwell and Millie Boyle have reflected on the honour of being chosen to co-captain the nib Newcastle Knights into the upcoming National Rugby League Telstra Women’s Premiership season following their confirmation today.
The pair were named to lead a side containing 10 new Knights in Tuesday’s team list, joining seven returning players for Sunday’s round one clash against the Brisbane Broncos at McDonald Jones Stadium.
23-year-old Southwell says while being named co-captain was not an honour she was expecting on her return to Newcastle, it is nonetheless a huge honour for both her and her family.
"It's a huge honour...I was born and bred here, that's something I always aspired to be but I didn't think it was going to happen so soon,
Southwell said.
It takes the pressure off me and it takes the pressure off Mill [Millie], we can just be ourselves and play footy."
Southwell: Co-captaincy and playing on Sunday
A 2021 NRLW Premiership winner with the Sydney Roosters, Southwell will make her captaincy debut in a side that also features 17-year-old sister Jesse, who will make her Knights and NRLW debut in the halfback jersey on Sunday.
For reigning joint-Dally M Medallist Boyle, ascension to the role of co-captain was also an unexpected development after joining the Knights from the Broncos following the end of the 2021 season.
The 24-year-old has been a leading voice on and off the field during the preseason and says it’s an honour to be chosen to lead such a quality group.
"I didn't expect it. To be able to get out there and help girls along the way is very special to me,"
Boyle said.
Boyle: Named Co-Captain and Round 1 test
