The Wests Tigers would like to extend their heartfelt congratulations to Pihuka Berryman-Duff and her family, following the announcement she is expecting her first child later this year.
The Samoan international recently shared the news with teammates and staff ahead of the NRLW pre-season.
The versatile half, hooker, and lock who featured in every Wests Tigers NRLW match last season, will be unavailable for the 2026 NRLW campaign.
While waiting for the newest member of her family to arrive, Berryman-Duff will remain closely engaged with the Club who will keep her involved, supported, and connected with the NRLW squad.
The Club is incredibly proud to have some of the best women’s health facilities in the competition, including in-house physios and specialists who will work closely with Berryman-Duff to assist her throughout her pregnancy journey.
Berryman-Duff joins Jade Fonua on the sidelines for 2026, with the prop forward also expecting her first child. The Wests Tigers also welcome back Rikeya Horne this season, following the arrival of her twins – Arzaria and Titus – in 2025.
Wests Tigers Head of Women’s Football, Charmain Steventon congratulated Berryman-Duff on the news of her impending arrival.
“We’re thrilled for Pihuka and her partner, Josh on the news they’re expecting,” she said.
“The Club has been working closely with Pihuka to support her transition from football to motherhood. Our high-performance and wellbeing staff have been guiding her through what’s a new and exciting chapter in her life. It’s been great to have her around the squad in a meaningful way during this time.
“We take real pride in the work we do to ensure every player is looked after both on and off the field. Players, including Pihuka consistently speak highly of the care, professionalism, and attention our staff provide – which aligns with our focus on providing an environment where players don’t have to choose between having a family or a career in rugby league.”
Wests Tigers NRLW Head Coach, Craig Sandercock extended his congratulations to Berryman-Duff and her family.
“This is wonderful news for Pihuka and everyone in the team is very excited for her,” he said.
“As a Club, we fully support Pihuka as she focuses on her family, and we’ll continue to support her throughout that journey.”
A valued member of the Wests Tigers family, the Club is committed to throwing its full support behind Berryman-Duff on this exciting journey.
An announcement regarding her replacement in the Club’s Top 24 will be made in the near future.
