The Broncos have signed Dally M Halfback of the Year and Jillaroos squad member, Jesse Southwell, on a two-year deal, through to the end of the 2027 season.
Despite being only 20 years old, Southwell has a wealth of experience in the NRLW and at a representative level.
She made her NRLW debut for the Knights in 2022 and has since gone on to win two premierships and play 40-games for the Newcastle Club.
Southwell scored two tries, had nine try assists and eight line break assists in the 2025 season, where she steered the Knights to the preliminary finals.
Southwell has also played five games for the New South Wales Blues and was a standout in their series victory earlier in the year.
Her performances across the season saw Southwell earn a spot in the Australian Jillaroos squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships.
After visiting the Broncos’ Clive Berghofer Centre on Monday, Southwell said she “can’t wait” to start training and playing with the group.
“The Broncos’ style of footy and the way that they’ve been playing the past few years has been really cool to watch and I wanted to see if it would work for me,” Southwell said.
“I’m looking forward to learning off Ali and Princey – given his NRL experience in my position.
I really want to win a premiership.
Jesse Southwell
“Seeing the way the city here in Brisbane reacted to both team’s winning was super special, and something that gave me chills.”
NRLW Head Coach, Scott Prince, said he was excited for the opportunity to coach someone of Southwell’s calibre.
“She’s definitely mature beyond her age… you can just tell she thinks about the game, she’s got a really nice style,” he said.
“She’s got so much experience for someone at her age, that’s a testament to the quality of player she is.
I believe it’s one of those signings that you don’t get every day.
Scott PrinceBroncos Head Coach
“I know the Broncos’ community will welcome her with open arms.”
Head of the NRLW Program, Paul Dyer, said the Club is entering an important transition period, post the grand final victory.
“With the departure of Gayle Broughton and our inspirational co-captain Ali Brigginshaw coming towards the back end of her career, it was critical as a Club that we started to plan for the future,” he said.
The signing of Jesse cannot be understated, as we are not just investing in one of the game’s premier young playmakers, we are investing in the future of our NRLW program at the Club.
Paul DyerHead of Broncos NRLW Program
“Her vision, leadership, and natural playmaking ability, coupled with the opportunity to develop under Scott Prince, is a really exciting prospect.”
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