In devastating news for Newcastle Knights fans, superstar halfback Jesse Southwell will be departing the club to join this year’s premiers — the Brisbane Broncos.
It is a huge blow to the Knights’ hopes of contending for a premiership next season after finishing one game short of this year’s NRLW grand final.
The revelation came amidst growing speculation, with the move confirmed by the Knights as reported by WWOS.
MORE: Melbourne Storm release Asofa-Solomona effective immidiately
Southwell emotionally thanked her teammates and club for helping her grow into the player she is.
"I've grown up a lot as a person and as a player," Southwell said after being presented the players' player award, adding it was emotional watching her highlights video before accepting the award.
It marks a huge coup for Brisbane, who have been one of the powerhouse clubs in the NRLW since its inception and have continued to be aggressive in their recruitment of the competition’s best players.
For Newcastle, the disappointment is only magnified after Tamika Upton also departed the Knights for Brisbane just last year.
Upton, widely regarded as the best player in the women’s game, delivered a premiership in her first year with the club.
After adding the game’s best fullback, they will now add arguably the NRLW's best halfback in Southwell — an ominous sign for the opposition.
At just 20 years old, Southwell has already established herself as one of the game’s brightest young playmakers.
The move will not only leave a major hole in Newcastle’s spine but also raises questions over the balance of power in the women’s game.
With a handful of top sides already dominating, the Broncos’ ability to lure a marquee half only strengthens concerns about competitiveness across the league.
For Southwell, the transfer is an opportunity to continue her rise in a new environment while joining one of the most successful clubs in NRLW history.
Broncos fans will be elated and confident in their chances of defending their 2025 title.
Despite that, other fans and the NRLW itself are left to ponder the strength and validity of the competition, which continues to expand yet still sees a stark gap between the top few teams and the rest of the pack each year.