Raecene and heard: Star signing hails Tigers' relentless approach

Wests Tigers new halfback Raecene McGregor has reminded everyone in the NRLW of the relentless attitude the club will be bringing to the 2026 competition. 

McGregor led by example in the 28-16 victory over the Eels at CommBank Stadium with two line break assists, three try assists alongside four conversions and 15 kicks in play for 217 metres. 

It provided the backbone for the upset win over the 2022 grand finalists on their home patch and earned McGregor the maximum six points in Dally M voting for her efforts.

McGregor said it was an example of the commitment of the squad to carry those standards into every game this season. 

“We instilled our values very strongly this pre-season,” McGregor told NRL.com. 

“Gratitude is important, as we need to be grateful for what is provided for us along with being united as a team and staying connected with each other.  

“All of us girls thrive on being relentless … we must remember that, and always have our foot on the throat, no stopping.” 

McGregor said the celebrations around the win – Wests Tigers finished with the wooden spoon and only one victory in 2025 – would be short-lived. 

"Obviously we are going to enjoy the moment but we will go back to the drawing board and come out strong against the Cowboys," she said.

The 28-year-old said the Wests Tigers were looking to make themselves known as a respected and driven side. 

“There has been a big cleanout,” said McGregor, who has been joined at club by other representative players like Holli Wheeler (Sharks), and Shaylee Bent (Titans), who have both played for NSW Origin and the Jillaroos.  

“At the Tigers we are representing a new era with a new coach (Craig Sandercock).  

“As a team we are putting in lots of hours and helping our new players to start an exciting chapter here at the West Tigers.” 

McGregor herself will have further rep duties on her plate after the NRLW season, when she looks to add to her 18 Tests and two World Cups with the Kiwis by playing in a third in October-November. 

"Representing New Zealand was a dream; I love the jersey and I hold it close to my heart,” she said.  

“I feel like I have not done it justice. I have been working hard and eating well, as the World Cup is this year, and I would love to represent the side again.”