Jakiya Whitfeld, the Dally M Winger of the Year, has joined the Cowboys on a three-year contract, dealing a setback to their recruiting efforts ahead of the 2024 season.
Whitfeld, who had a standout 2023 season and also won the Dally M Tackle of the Year, concluded the regular season with four tries, ten linebreaks, and an astounding 70 tackle breaks from nine games.
She was named in the Jillaroos end-of-season squad for the Pacific Championships after being called in as a late replacement for Julia Robinson.
“This is exciting for the Cowboys,” Cowboys NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries said.
“To attract a player of Jakiya’s qualities on and off the field proves to us we’re heading in the right direction as a club. Jakiya wants to become one of the best outside backs in the NRLW and will immediately come in and compete with our current group in the centre and fullback positions.”
Cross-code star Niall Williams-Guthrie will return to the Gold Coast in 2024 after making a huge impression in her stellar first season with the Titans.
The 35-year-old was originally signed on a two-year deal, with coach Karyn Murphy agreeing to monitor her progress after coming across to rugby league, and the Titans coach had no hesitation in ensuring the powerhouse centre stays on the Coast
Williams-Guthrie played in all 11 matches in 2023, coming up with 38 tackle breaks and three try assists as the Titans stormed into their maiden grand final. She ran for 166 metres in Fetu Samoa’s 26-12 win over Fiji Bulikula in the Pacific Championships.
“Coming to the Titans was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” the Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist said.
“This club, our team, management, community and loyal supporters have given me so much more than just footy and for that that, I’m truly grateful.”
The Dragons, meanwhile, have locked in another three players through until the end of 2025, with off-contract trio Jamilee Bright, Angela Teakaraanga-Katoa and Tara McGrath-West all agreeing to extensions.
It comes after Bright and Teakaraanga-Katoa enjoyed strong first seasons with Jamie Soward’s side, while McGrath-West appeared seven times after making her NRLW debut a year earlier.
The club earlier re-signed young guns Ella Koster, Alexis Tauaneai and representative centre Bobbi Law, ensuring Law and Koster remain at the club until at least the end of 2025.
