Wests Tigers NRLW Head Coach, Craig Sandercock has confirmed that Kezie Apps will continue to lead his side in 2026 at the Club’s NRLW Season Launch.
Joining Apps as the team's "Guardians of Values" are Wests Tigers stalwart Sarah Togatuki, Kiwi international, Raecene McGregor and former Jillaroo, Holli Wheeler.
The group will play a key role in driving standards and fostering the culture Sandercock is building with the squad.
It was the captain's selfless approach that reaffirmed to Sandercock that she was the right person to continue leading the team.
"I had a coffee with Kezie and we had a really good chat about the program going forward," Sandercock said.
She told me she'd do whatever it takes to make this team better, even if that meant not being captain. Whatever changes I’d make, she would buy into wholeheartedly because she wants the team to be in the best position possible.
Craig Sandercock NRLW Head Coach
"As soon as she said that, I thought, that's our leader right there."
Sandercock said Apps' actions throughout the pre-season further demonstrated why she remains the ideal captain.
"Even while she's been involved in the Origin program, every spare minute she's had she's been back here helping our players, supporting the group and continuing to improve herself.
"She sets the standards and lives the values we want to be known for, so I had no hesitation in appointing her as captain again this season."
While the Club had formalised its leadership group, Sandercock stressed that leadership responsibilities extend throughout the entire squad.
"Every player is a leader in this team, whether you're officially part of the leadership group or not," he said.
"It's reflected in the way you train, the way you conduct yourself off the field and the values you follow every day.
"That said, it was important to establish a core group of leaders who truly live the standards we're trying to build within this program."
Sandercock spoke highly of each member of the newly appointed leadership group and the unique qualities they bring to the squad.
"Sarah Togatuki is a great example of leadership," he said.
"She's inspirational through her actions and the way she communicates with the group. I know missing out on Origin this year was disappointing for her, but she came straight back and got to work. That says everything about the person and leader she is."
On Wheeler, Sandercock praised the experience and professionalism she has brought since arriving at the club.
"Holli has a wealth of experience in the game," he said.
"What she does exceptionally well is lead through her actions. She trains hard every day, sets a great example and has helped lift standards across the squad."
McGregor's experience and football intelligence also made her a natural addition to the group.
"Raecene brings substantial knowledge and seasoned leadership to our team and her training standards have been outstanding," Sandercock said.
"On gameday, it’s her job to get the team around the park, so it was only natural that her leadership qualities would extend into the wider group."
Sandercock believes his leadership group will embody the value’s his sides needs for the 2026 season.
"I'm really confident we've got a strong mix of players in that leadership group," he said.
"They genuinely live the standards we're striving for and they'll play a huge role in helping us achieve what we want to this season."
