Wests Tigers will kick off their season against South Sydney in the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership on Saturday.
It’s part of an action-packed matchday at CommBank Stadium, culminating with the bumper clash between last start winners Wests Tigers and South Sydney in Round 7 of Telstra NRL Premiership.
The women’s side has been itching to get down to business for some time, as has their coach, Brett Kimmorley.
Last season was cut short for the Harvey Norman Women’s side due to Covid, but the girls have been patiently preparing since November.
Kimmorley will take the reins in what is his first gig as a head coach since 2015.
“I just love coaching, and this is a wonderfully fulfilling role,” said Kimmorley, who is also the club’s Pathways Coaching Manager.
Kimmorley, or ‘Noddy’ as he is affectionately known, is carrying the clipboard for the first time since heading up Wests Tigers NYC side seven years ago.
He says he feels comfortable in the role and his parenting experiences have helped.
They are so good to coach and just love to learn. All of them are eager to improve as players, and that makes it so rewarding for me.
Brett Kimmorley
I’ve got four daughters myself, so I find it easy to relate to the players.”
The Wests Tigers squad is a mix of local juniors blended with some higher profile stars.
Seven girls will return after competing in the recently completed NRLW season, including the likes of key signings Botille Vette-Welsh, Jess Sergis and Kezie Apps. Although Vette-Welsh will miss the season due to an ACL (knee) injury, the club captain will still play an important mentoring role.
Another to keep an eye on is Emily Curtain, a local junior from Eagle Vale St Andrews, who has come through the Wests Tigers pathways system.
Half a dozen girls have stepped up from the 2021 Tarsha Gale team. Another six players who are still eligible for Tarsha Gale are set to join them once their current season concludes.
Kimmorley says the club has some exciting plans in Pathways and the women’s game forms a big part of that.
We are well advanced with our application for an NRLW license and that will be a huge boost for the club and our development region.
Brett Kimmorley
Our Tarsha Gale side is in the semis this weekend, so that show’s we’ve got the talent. A strong season in the Harvey Norman competition and then down the track a side in the NRLW…it’s all coming together nicely.”
While the future looks bright for the joint-venture club, the immediate focus is this weekend, “The girls are itching to get out there having trained for so long, and we all can’t wait for Saturday.”
It’s Anzac Round, it’s our home game, and it’s a double header. It should be an amazing experience.”
Matchday Info:
5:00pm: Gates Open at CommBank Stadium
5:15pm: Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership - Wests Tigers v South Sydney Rabbitohs
7:35pm: Round 7 Telstra NRL Premiership - Wests Tigers v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Fans heading to CommBank Stadium on Saturday are reminded that FREE travel is available on all public transport - https://www.nsw.gov.au/news/fare-free-travel-easter-2022
Wests Tigers are proud to have Legacy as our official charity partner for this Anzac Round fixture.
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