Davis hoping Bondi switch can help rediscover NRLW form

Keeley Davis believes her move to the Roosters in 2023 will help take her career to a new level after being disappointed by her end-of-season efforts with the Dragons in the NRLW last year.

Davis is one of six World Cup stars who have confirmed their departure from the Dragons with the Corrimal Cougars junior playing her final game for the Illawarra Steelers in the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership over a week ago.

The 22-year-old will link with the Tricolours in July for pre-season training with Davis eager to hit the ground running with her new club after five seasons in Wollongong.

“I can only speak for myself about leaving the Dragons and it’s about chasing a new opportunity,” Davis told NRL.com.

I’ve been in the same system since I was 16 so it was time for a new start.

Keeley Davis

"I probably wasn’t playing my best footy at the end of last year and was really disappointed with the way it went.

“The best thing for me was to get out of that environment and give myself a fresh start and every chance to play my best footy again.

“We’ve got a short career in this game and that’s my priority, to go to a place I think I’m going to play my best footy.

“I considered the options and I’m confident the Roosters are the best fit for me.”

Davis will be joined at the Roosters by three-time premiership winner Millie Boyle and Kiwi Ferns powerhouse Amber Hall with John Strange's side set for some mass changes at Bondi following their semi-finals finish last year. 

Dally M medal winner Raecene McGregor (Dragons), Zahara Temara (Raiders) and Sarah Togatuki (Wests Tigers) have signed elsewhere while Destiny Brill (Broncos) and Cowboys-bound Shaniah Power have returned to Queensland. 

Jillaroos fullback Sam Bremner announced her retirement in January, and then third pregnancy, in March. 

"The way 'Strangey' speaks about everyone in the squad I’m confident he can get the best out of everybody," Davis said.

"I’m excited to see how much Millie and Amber can improve as well. It’s probably scary for the opposition saying that because they’re already great players but the Roosters will get more out of them.

"The way he spoke to me and the areas he can see me improve on with my game got me excited to make the move.

"I want to really learn at hooker. I feel like I’ve chopped and changed a lot at the Dragons and that’s something that excited me. They see me as a genuine hooker."

Davis has played nine games to start the year in the NSW state competition ahead of potential Origin selection for Game One on June 1. The incumbent Blues hooker said she has taken a lot away from touring with the Jillaroos in November.

"Every girl has something elite to take away from and add to your own game," she said. "Especially how they are off the field too with their preparation, it's certainly something you learn quickly.

"The coaching staff were also unreal. I got heaps out of the experience."