SHE required the approval of the game's top brass, but teenage footy star Jesse Southwell is set to play alongside sister Hannah for the Newcastle Knights in the upcoming NRLW season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Knights formally confirmed Southwell's inclusion in their NRLW squad on Wednesday following her return from the Commonwealth Games, where she won a gold medal with Australia's rugby sevens side.
The Cameron Park athlete, still only 17, has been on the Knights' books since signing an historic contract with the club as a 14-year-old - before Newcastle even had a top-flight women's side.
But now, Southwell is ready to take the next step in her rugby league career. She has joined the Knights' NRLW squad for preseason training ahead of the side's first game in a fortnight.
"I'm super excited and I just can't wait to play some footy," Southwell said.
"Thinking about signing a couple of years ago, it's all just kind of come full circle.
"I've been looking forward to playing with Hannah since I can remember.
"She's always been my role model and someone I've looked up to."
The Knights had to seek an exemption for Southwell to play in the NRLW because she is not 18. The cross-code athlete had to complete physical conditioning tests and even meet with league CEO Andrew Abdo to get the final stamp of approval.
Southwell, a halfback, hopes to debut in the season opener on Sunday week.
"I'd love to play every single game," she said. "If I'm playing well enough than I'm hoping I'll be able to do that."
Hannah, 23, has already made 16 NRLW appearances over the past four years at the Dragons and Roosters. She has joined the Knights after claiming a premiership earlier this year with the Roosters.
The sisters have played some games together in the lower grades and Hannah feels her younger sister is ready to make the step up.
"She is young, so it's not going to be an easy path for her, but I think she is more than capable," Hannah said.
"We're all really excited for her to control the field."
I haven't really played with a halfback that does that so well. I'm really keen for her to take control of our team."
MORE IN SPORT:
- Knights prop David Klemmer: Why I knocked back the chance to join Parramatta
- Wildfires mentor Scott Coleman shares Shute Shield coaching honours: Rugby Union
- Why in-form striker Adriana Konjarski is taking the season as it comes: NPLW NNSW
- Lakes prop Shaun Boss set to hang up boots: Newcastle RL
- Perth-based goalkeeper Charlie Smart returns to Northstars for rest of AIHL season
- Beaches stalwart Tyson Ostle marks 200th grade game: Hunter Rugby Union
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
