Wests Tigers women set for season opener

Author: Caitlyn Grant
Timestamp: Thu 16 Jul 2020, 01:35 PM

Wests Tigers Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership side will restart their 2020 campaign this Saturday when they take on the North Sydney Bears at Bon Andrews Oval in North Sydney.

Saturday's game will be the first game for Wests Tigers since the COVID-19 enforced break, with revised Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership season to now feature a seven-round season followed by four weeks of finals.

The only professionally run rugby league aside from the NRL back in operation, it’s expected to be a fierce competition in 2020 with independent grounds to be used in order to meet with NSW Rugby League COVID-19 requirements.

Wests Tigers returned to training earlier this month in order to be ready for the season, and were boosted by the news earlier this week that the club's Major Sponsor — Brydens Lawyers — will also extend its partnership to include the women's side with branding on the jersey and associated digital coverage.

Having chalked up a big win over Brothers PJRLC prior to the competition shut-down, Wests Tigers have named a strong side for Saturday's restart against the Bears including international stars Botille Vette-Welsh and Raecene McGregor.

The Curtain twins and Rachel Simpson return to the side following a strong campaigns for the club in 2020, while Teleah Waitoa and Teagan Toa Toa are both primed for strong seasons in Neil Stanley's side.

WESTS TIGERS V NORTH SYDNEY

Saturday, July 18 at Bon Andrews Oval, 12:00pm

1. Botille Vette-Welsh (capt)
2. Ana Fekeila
3. Rachel Simpson
4. Simone Karpani
5. Teagan Toa Toa
6. Raecene McGregor
7. Emily Curtain
8. Awhina Akuhata
16. Sophie Curtain
10. Kina Hanisi
11. Lakeisha Tipene
12. Teleah Waitoa
13. Sia Seumanufagai

Interchange:
9. Tyler Pelligra
14. Naomi Kara
17. Taylor Osborne
18. Jackie-Anne Tahu
19. Stephanie Wilson
21. Tia Cook
24. Christine Kani

Coach: Neil Stanley