Bent joins Wests Tigers NRLW squad on a two-year deal

The Wests Tigers are pleased to confirm the signing of Shaylee Bent on a two-year deal.

Bent – an Australian and NSW representative – joins Craig Sandercock’s squad as a replacement player for Jade Fonua, who recently announced she was expecting her first child and will be unavailable for the 2026 NRLW season. 

The second-rower has amassed 51 appearances at NRLW level for the St George Illawarra Dragons and Gold Coast Titans since her debut in 2019 – placing her seventh on the competition’s all-time appearance list.

In addition to earning caps for both NSW and Australia, Bent has appeared on seven occasions for the Indigenous All Stars and at the end of 2025 was selected in the Prime Minister’s XIII squad alongside now teammate, Caitlin Turnbull.

Boasting an impressive resume, Bent’s career has been typified by power and athleticism on both sides of the ball, building a reputation as one of the NRLW’s most reliable forwards.

Bent joins a pack that features new recruits, Hollie Wheeler and Shenai Lendill as well as NSW teammates, Kezie Apps and Sarah Togatuki – with all three currently in NSW Origin camp.

The signing represents a return of sorts to Concord for Bent, who played in the Wests Tigers Tarsha Gale Cup side in 2018 before making her NRLW debut the following year.

On the confirmation of her signing, Bent said she was excited about being part of a new era of women’s football at Concord.

“It’s an exciting time to be joining the Club, I’ve spoken to the girls about what’s been happening over the off-season and it’s something I’m looking forward to being a part of,” Bent said.

“I know a lot of the girls already through different rep camps, and I can see the quality that we have in this squad. It’s an exciting opportunity and one I think will really benefit my game.

“I’ve spoken with Craig about how he wants to play this season and the role he sees for me, it made coming to the Tigers an easy decision.”

NRLW Head Coach, Craig Sandercock said he was thrilled to have a player of Bent’s experience join the squad.

“Shaylee is a fantastic athlete who has played at the highest level, she’ll bring a lot to our group both on and off the field – it’s a great signing for us,” Sandercock said.

“She’s got a great reputation in terms of her professionalism and will play an important role alongside our other senior players this year.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Shaylee and seeing what she can bring to this group over the next two seasons.”