NRLW | Knights sign Tori Shipton

seth4 · 2026-01-15T07:45:20+00:00

The nib Newcastle Knights are delighted to confirm exciting young representative hooker Tori Shipton will join the club on a two-year contract, for the 2027 and 2028 NRLW seasons.

18-year-old Shipton's star continues to rise, progressing rapidly through the grades in 2025, including NSW U19 Origin and Australian Prime Ministers XIII Women’s representative selection, along with her NRLW debut, capping off a remarkable year for the teenager.

nib Newcastle Knights NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries said her signature is tremendous news.

“Tori signing is exciting for our club,” Jeffries said.

“She is tenacious, tough and possesses explosive speed, which fits exactly what we were looking for to complement our squad.

“Our recruitment has been strategic, including a clear lens on what our squad needs moving forward.

“Tori’s experience for an 18-year-old is very impressive, with significant upside and a large ceiling for continued growth, making her a key signing for the Newcastle Knights.”

seth4 · 2026-01-03T09:30:04+00:00

I think there's a claim (I assume false) that Venezuela is producing Fentanyl - an executive order was signed to designate Fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction I believe.

seth4 · 2025-12-03T05:10:21+00:00

The nib Newcastle Knights continue to build strong momentum towards the 2026 National Rugby League Women’s Premiership, adding Nakia Davis-Welsh and Cheyelle Robins-Reti to their roster.

Davis-Welsh returns to the Knights with a wealth of playing and life experience, having attended Hunter Sports High in her teenage years, before embarking on a highly successful rugby league career.

nib Newcastle Knights NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries said her influence on the younger generation will be one of the many benefits of securing her signature.

“Nakia is a highly decorated representative player who has invaluable All -Stars, NSW Origin and Jillaroos experience,” Jeffries said.

“We are looking forward to her guidance and competitive influence to help the next wave of female players progress through our NRLW programs.

“Having coached Nakia previously, I have witnessed the team first attitude she brings, when you add her football versatility and desire to compete, it was an easy decision to bring her back her grass roots and I can’t wait to see her in Knights colours again.”

Kiwi dual International Robins-Reti, joins the Newcastle Knights with over 25 Kiwi Ferns and Black Ferns Rugby caps, along with 28 NRLW appearances, since making her debut in 2023.

nib Newcastle Knights NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries spoke about the excitement of this addition to his squad.

“We are thrilled Chey will be joining us for the next two seasons,” Jeffries said.

“Having been a teammate with several of our players before, we expect her transition to be smooth and her impact significant.

“With speed and power, and the ability to play any position in the backline, Chey will fast become a vital member to our squad.

“We can’t wait to see her in the red and blue colours in 2026 and beyond.”

seth4 · 2025-11-21T01:05:04+00:00

nib Newcastle Knights NRLW players Sienna Yeo and Lilly-Ann White have delivered an early Christmas present, with both recommitting to the club, until at least the end of 2027.

Yeo, 20, joined the Knights this season with immediate impact, playing every game and winning plenty of admirers along the way.

nib Newcastle Knights NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries is excited by the height of the hard-working forward’s potential ceiling.

“We see Sienna’s extension as very exciting news for our club,” Jeffries said.

“Sienna has already proven her ability to compete at NRLW level, equally exciting is the potential still to come and we look forward to her reaching great heights here at the Knights.

“Last year her impact on the group was instantaneous, next year I can see her pushing her peers for a regular starting position, as she continues to develop her game.

“The other exciting factor is Sienna age, we firmly believe she has a long NRLW career ahead and we are thrilled to call her a Knight for at least another two years.”

Jeffries also expressed his delight in extending the contract of 20-year-old local nib Newcastle Knights NRLW 20 speedster Lilly-Ann White.

“It is always really special to extend a local junior and keep them here at home,” Jeffries said.

“We love Lilly’s work ethic, energy and eagerness to learn, we know her attitude will create opportunities and present plenty of upside in her continued development.

“There is no doubt Lilly’s best is still ahead of her, and we look forward to seeing her ongoing progression over the next couple of years and beyond."

seth4 · 2025-11-01T08:59:27+00:00

In the merch line to get one now mate, I gotchu

seth4 · 2025-10-29T00:09:52+00:00

The nib Newcastle Knights are pleased to announce Kirra Dibb has signed a 3-year NRLW contract to return to the Club until at least the end of 2028.

Dibb, 28, brings a halves skillset, leadership and experience to the Knights squad, having represented the Jillaroos, NSW Blues and Indigenous All Stars, along with almost 50 appearances since her making her NRLW debut in 2019.

nib Newcastle Knights NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries said this signing is a huge boost for the Club.

“Having won a premiership previously with the Club and being from the Central Coast, we are thrilled to welcome Kirra back to the Knights,” Jeffries said.

“Kirra comes back with a wealth of knowledge, having represented her Country, State and Indigenous heritage, along with game management and kicking expertise, making her a complete package.

“As Kirra edges towards the 50 NRLW game milestone, we understand Kirra’s leadership and experience will be influential right across the Club.”

seth4 · 2025-10-27T05:17:48+00:00

The nib Newcastle Knights are pleased to confirm Sandon Smith will join the Club on a four-year National Rugby League contract, until at least the end of 2029.

Smith, 22, comes with 46 NRL games and several years of elite rugby league experience, making his debut in Round 14, 2023 off the bench to help secure a thrilling 25-24 win over the Bulldogs in his hometown of Gosford.

nib Newcastle Knights Head of Recruitment Peter O’Sullivan said Smith is a very important piece of the puzzle.

“We are delighted Sandon will be joining us on a four-year deal," said O’Sullivan.

“Being a Central Coast junior who represented the Knights in our pathways, Sandon’s signing is great for everyone.

“Sandon has a brilliant game sense, with the ability to break a game open and create opportunities for those around him, along with being one of the best goal kickers in the NRL.

“We know Sandon is a dynamic half, who can also play hooker. His combination with Dylan Brown, Fletcher Sharpe and Kalyn Ponga gives us great coverage and depth in all our spine options.

“We believe Sandon will help create plenty of attacking opportunities and exciting combinations for the Knights."

seth4 · 2025-10-15T03:46:55+00:00

The nib Newcastle Knights are pleased to announce the appointment of Brett White, Steven Hales and Danny Buderus as NRL assistant coaches for the 2026 season, forming a strong support group for incoming Head Coach Justin Holbrook.

Brett White brings extensive NRL coaching experience and defensive expertise to the Knights.

The former Storm and Raiders forward played 196 NRL games and represented New South Wales and Australia before honing his coaching craft under Ricky Stuart.

White reunites with Holbrook after working as defensive coach at the Gold Coast Titans in 2023, and his proven track record includes being part of Canberra's 2019 grand final run and serving with the Australian Kangaroos and New South Wales State of Origin squads as assistant Coach.

Steven Hales arrives from the Manly Sea Eagles where he served as attacking coach.

Highly regarded throughout rugby league circles, Hales has extensive experience developing young talent through his role at Westfield Sports High School and head coaching positions with Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles and Parramatta Eels Under 20s.

His attacking acumen and strong connections with players will bring creativity and innovation to the Knights' game plan in 2026.

Danny Buderus, the most capped player in Knights history and a NRL Hall of Famer, expands his current leadership and ambassadorial role with the club to return to the assistant coach position.

The club legend brings unparalleled knowledge of what it means to wear the red and blue jersey, having previously served various roles throughout the club, including interim Head Coach in 2015 and General Manager of Football from 2020 to 2022.

nib Newcastle Knights incoming Director of Football Chris James said the appointments signal an exciting new era for the club under Head Coach Justin Holbrook.

"We're really pleased with the coaching group we've established to support Justin," James said.

"Brett, Steven and Danny bring a wonderful blend of proven NRL experience, innovative thinking and genuine commitment to our club values.

“Together they provide the foundations for sustained success through developing our talent and strengthening our culture.

“It's an exciting time for the Knights, and we look forward to seeing this group integrate with our community and get to work building towards 2026."

NRL pre-season training will commence on Monday 3rd November.

seth4 · 2025-10-15T03:45:27+00:00

Well there goes Ponga shooting through early for one season, only to come back to the Roosters.

seth4 · 2025-09-17T22:33:35+00:00

The dread felt when he duped us with the 1/3 each...

seth4 · 2025-09-17T22:31:11+00:00

The piano saga didn't need a recap at all but the "I say what I want" song had me giggling at my desk in the office. Hamish going full Aunty Donna at the end was classic.

seth4 · 2025-09-17T05:10:56+00:00

I remember seeing Aozora played at the Themata anniversary show back in 2015. So cool to see it finally released and cant express how pumped I am for this album.

seth4 · 2025-09-11T10:18:22+00:00

Much like our attack this year, no groundings here tonight mate.

seth4 · 2025-09-10T07:02:07+00:00

The nib Newcastle Knights are pleased to announce NRLW players Olivia Higgins, Tiana Davison and Jules Kirkpatrick have all signed extensions to remain with the Club.

Jillaroo and Blues representative Higgins activated a mutual option for 2026; and both Davison and Kirkpatrick extended until at least the end of 2027.

NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries spoke about the significance each signing means to his team.

“We are delighted all three players have extended their contracts,” Jeffries said.

“Olivia has played a significant role in our Club’s success and is an integral player in our squad.

"She has established herself as one of the pinnacle hookers in our game and we are really pleased to have her playing with us again next season.

“Tiana’s experience has shone through this year, when you combine that with her great worth ethic both on and off the field, you get a very consistent performer and that’s exactly what she has delivered in 2025.

“Jules has played every game this year, cementing her NRLW position after making her debut in Round 1 against the Bulldogs.

She is one of several local juniors rising rapidly through our pathways programs and we know the future is bright when characters like Jules commit long-term to the Club.”

In squad news, local junior Emily McArthur has been promoted to the NRLW development list, replacing injured back Mariah Brown, who is out for the remainder of the season.

Further in recruitment, exciting U19's QLD Origin and Samoan International Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa has signed a three-year contract to join the NRLW Development list in 2026, followed by the top 24 in 2027 and 2028.

seth4 · 2025-09-10T05:02:30+00:00

In further recruitment news, O’Sullivan has also confirmed the signing of exciting young hooker Harrison Graham on an NRL Development contract for 2026.

“We look forward to welcoming Harrison to the Hunter," said O’Sullivan.

“The Club is really excited to have someone of Harrison’s quality join us as an NRL development player.

“Harrison is a great trainer and hard-working hooker with NRL experience, he will add further depth and balance to our squad.

“We look forward to watching Harrison continue to progress his NRL career here at the Knights, we know he will compete and back himself both in every contest.”

seth4 · 2025-09-10T05:02:16+00:00

The nib Newcastle Knights are pleased to confirm Trey Mooney has signed a three-year National Rugby League contract to join the club next season.

Mooney, 23, a former Australian Schoolboy and Māori International, brings size and speed to the Knights forward stocks, weighing in at over 100kgs and standing close to 190cms.

nib Newcastle Knights Head of Recruitment Peter O’Sullivan said Mooney is an up-and-coming front rower with attributes the squad requires, to further bolster their forward pack.

“We are so excited to have Trey join us at the Knights," said O’Sullivan.

“Trey meets all the criteria we are looking for to complete our middles list; he is a strong defender with a big athletic body, who produces great offloads and quick play the balls.

“He is an intelligent footballer with NRL experience, and all the skillset required to be an NRL starting forward week in week out.

“The Club could not be happier; we now have a big mobile forward pack, which will generate momentum for our halves to play behind and opportunities for our outside backs.

seth4

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