Studdon shifts from Roosters as Dragons announces nine signings
- Author
- Timestamp
St George Illawarra have confirmed nine signings for the 2019 NRL Holden Women's Premiership which includes former Sydney Roosters halfback Maddie Studdon.
Studdon, who was restricted to just two appearances for the Tricolours last season due to patchy form, will join the Red V along with new faces Tiana Penitani, Botille Vette-Welsh, Shaylee Bent and Takilele Katoa.
"Maddie is a great get for us and will be a fantastic fit for the team," coach Daniel Lacey told dragons.com.au.
"I've done a lot of homework on her in terms of not only how she'll help the Dragons' game but how we can help her game too.
"I was able to work with her in the NSW City team at the recent National Championships and I really took on board the importance that she does have on a team with her game management so she'll have a big influence on our team."
Penitani is a rugby sevens convert who was crowned player of the Harvey Norman National Championships earlier this month.
Vette-Welsh played for the Roosters in season one of the NRLW and makes the move south for an opportunity to replace pregnant Sam Bremner at fullback.
Bent represented the Indigenous All Stars side in February and is a rising star in the women's game with strong performances for NSW City and local club Mounties.
Katoa, who hails from the Riverina, will make her debut for NSW in women's Holden State of Origin next week.
The club have also confirmed the return of Kezie Apps, Jessica Sergis, Shakiah Tungai and recent Australian Jillaroos debutant Holli Wheeler.
"It's a great way to get the ball rolling for the Dragons ahead of the second season of the Women's Premiership," Lacey said.
"There's been a lot of hard work done behind the scenes with more time and preparation. We as a staff had a clear mind of what the squad needed to look like as a result."
