The Wests Tigers are pleased to confirm the re-signing of Rikeya Horne on a two-year deal, keeping the outside back at Concord until the end of the 2027 NRLW season.
Horne – who missed the 2025 season with pregnancy – has been diligently preparing for her return to play, following the arrival of twins, Azaria and Titus in late-August.
A member of the Club’s inaugural NRLW campaign, Horne brings more than seven years of top-grade experience from her two seasons with the Club, along with stints at the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Parramatta Eels.
The 26-year-old has been working closely with the Club throughout her pregnancy, maintaining a modified training routine well into her third trimester, working towards her goal of returning for the 2026 season.
Horne will undertake an induvial training program throughout the NRLW’s inactive period, tailored to appropriately support her return to the group when pre-season commences next year.
Horne said she was looking forward to getting back on the field in 2026.
"I’m really grateful for all the support the Club has given me over the past 12 months,” Horne said.
“It’s been an incredible journey for our family and I’m excited to be back into my own training and preparing to join the girls for pre-season next year.
I really missed being part of last season and I’m looking forward to getting back out there and showing Azaria and Titus what their mum is capable of
Rikeya Horne
Wests Tigers Head of Women’s Football, Charmain Steventon said Horne’s journey reflects the broader shift in how professional sporting environments support women and athlete-parents.
“We’ve worked closely with Rikeya throughout her pregnancy to ensure she felt fully supported in her desire to return,” Steventon said.
“Her focus and determination to resume her career post-pregnancy have been exceptional, and as a Club we’ve established a range of tailored, ongoing support systems to meet her individual needs.
“Our priority has always been Rikeya’s health and well-being, ensuring she can adapt to life as a new mum while preparing for the physical demands of elite sport. Returning after pregnancy presents unique challenges for any woman and her commitment throughout this period has been inspiring.
“This experience has also highlighted the need for facilities and systems that are fully equipped to support return-to-play pathways for mums, whether that’s appropriate medical care, flexible training structures, or practical adjustments within our environment at the Centre of Excellence. While this is new territory for us, it represents an important evolution across high-performance sport.
“We’re seeing more women balance professional competition with starting a family, and the industry is rightly adapting to ensure they receive the support they deserve. It’s a significant and positive progression, and we’re proud to contribute to an environment where athletes no longer have to choose between their family and their career,” Steventon concluded.
Wests Tigers NRLW Head Coach, Craig Sandercock welcomed Horne’s return to the squad.
“I’ve seen just how diligent Rikeya has been with her training and looking after herself physically during her pregnancy and in the last few months. It’s been an incredible effort and shows her commitment to her footy and this group,” Sandercock said.
“I’ve been really impressed in our initial conversations around how driven Rikeya is to get back playing. We’ll take it step-by-step and continue to ensure she can balance the demands of the NRLW and her family. As with all our players, we want to make sure Rikeya is happy and healthy to get the best out of herself on the field.
“Rikeya brings a lot of experience and adds more depth to our outside backs. It creates a competitive environment that will bring the best out of individuals and the wider group. We’re really pleased to welcome her back,” Sandercock concluded.
