Southwell ready to follow Suaalii path to success after NRL exemption

Knights forward Hannah Southwell is confident younger sister Jesse can make an immediate impact in the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership after being given the green light to play at age 17. 

Jesse Southwell looks set to follow in the footsteps of Roosters star Joseph Suaalii and be available for the NRLW after she was granted an exemption by the NRL to make her debut earlier than the 18 years age limit. 

Jesse confirmed on Wednesday that the Knights went through a similar process as the Roosters did with Suaalii to gain an exemption, including physical fitness testing with Jillaroos strength and conditioner Simon Buxton. 

Hannah added that age won't be a concern for her sibling, who is coming off Commonwealth Games success with the Australian rugby sevens side in Birmingham last month.

"She's going to have to do her time like everyone, she is young and it's not going to be an easy pass for her but I think she's more than capable to do that," Southwell said.

"She's a bit bigger than a normal halfback so I think she's going to handle herself well. She's played in the Commonwealth games and that's a lot of pressure.

"For her to come back and play in the NRLW, I don't think she'll have any issues.

"She's got a really good support network here at the Knights and I'm also involved as well. I think she'll be ok. I haven't really played with a halfback that [controls] a game so well."

Southwell's signing is the final for the Knights in their 24-player roster with the Cameron Park product explaining part of her process to be available this season.

"We went through an exemption process and had a couple of meetings like with Andrew Abdo, and I did some physical tests and that all went well," Jesse said.

"He (Abdo) wanted to make sure we knew what we were getting into, like the media, playing well and not well, we went through all those processes and they thought it was alright.

"I wouldn't want to be chucked into a high level sport and not be ready. I think I'll be ready. I'm eligible to play and can't wait to get out there."

Southwell was the first-ever female player signed by the club in 2020 and has floated between Newcastle's Tarsha Gale Cup side and the rugby sevens program in the past 12 months. 

Her commitment to rugby league is a promising one with her services likely to be a tug-o-war in the future given her talent in both codes.

"It's so exciting and something so different to what I've been doing recently," Jesse said.

"I've been looking to playing with Han since I can remember. She's always been my role model and someone I've looked up to.

"We played together earlier this year and she's always got my back. It was a cool experience so playing together again will be another experience."

The opening round of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership kicks off on Saturday, August 21. Real hits. Real highlights. Unreal action. Secure your seats at NRL.com/tickets