The nib Newcastle Knights 2023 Telstra Women’s Premiership campaign has been further bolstered by the signings of three more outstanding NRLW talents in playmaker Caitlin Moran, outside back Jasmin Strange and up and coming local talent Jules Kirkpatrick
Former Jillaroo Moran made her a long-awaited NRLW debut during season 2022, joining the Knights after an extended period out of the game.
One of the Brisbane Broncos inaugural marquee players back in 2018, the now 26-year-old Muswellbrook product returned home to the Hunter and would ultimately feature in four games during the 2022 campaign, including the Grand Final victory over Parramatta.
Former Rooster Jasmin Strange has won her place in the Knights NRLW squad off the back of a strong Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership season for Newcastle.
The New Zealand Maori representative played her one and only NRLW match against Newcastle last season, scoring a try in the Roosters narrow 18-16 victory at Allianz Stadium – that result being the Knights only loss of the season.
Kirkpatrick is a product of the Knights junior development system having played Tarsha Gale Cup alongside the likes of Knights halfback and 2022 breakout star Jesse Southwell.
The 2022 NSW under 19 representative is a hard running and deceptively quick lock or back-rower and her ascension to the NRLW ranks is a reward for hard work coming up through the grades.
“We are pleased to have all three players in our squad for the upcoming season,” Knights NRLW Head Coach Ronald Griffiths said.
“It’s fantastic to have Caitlin re-sign after coming on board mid-season last year in our NSW Harvey Norman Premiership team, where her game has gone from strength to strength, culminating in her NRLW debut last year
“Caitlin adds plenty to our organisation and it will be exciting to see her development continue to grow over the next 12 months.
“Jasmin is another great story, and we are so pleased to have her back at the Knights.
“This NRLW contract is a reward for Jasmin’s form in our Harvey Norman team, where she has developed into a strong outside back, along with her selection in the NSW Country team who defeated NSW City 18 to 12 last night at Kogarah Oval
“Jules is one the best pathway success stories we have witnessed, starting in Singleton to Tarsha Gale then patiently working her way into a NRLW Development Player to now signing an NRLW contract.
“She personifies hard work and dedication, adding great value and becoming a real asset to our club.”
The signing of Moran, Strange and Kirkpatrick adds further depth to the Knights squad for 2023, with the remainder set to be unveiled in the near future as the squad moves closer to its 29 May pre-season commencement.
