The loss of Tamika Upton suddenly was a shock to the Newcastle Knights’ system but the club has bounced back with the addition of fellow star fullback Botille Vette-Welsh.
Vette-Welsh has signed a deal with the Novocastrian side until the end of 2027, so a three-year deal, with the distinguished Origin and Australian representative a player in the inaugural NRLW game in 2018.
The Knights will be the fifth club that Vette-Welsh has played for, having previously played for the Sydney Roosters, the St George Illawarra Dragons, the Parramatta Eels and the Wests Tigers.
Vette-Welsh, a Kiwi-born athlete, has represented the New Zealand M?ori side and the club knows her quality is what the club sorely needed at the back with Upton’s departure.
“Bo is a proven performer who will add skill and experience to our NRLW squad,” nib Newcastle Knights Director of Football Peter Parr said.
“Bo is a high-quality player and we are delighted that she will be in Knights colours from next year.”
Just as pleased is Vette-Welsh herself who knows how important a role the Newcastle side and its community are to the NRLW.
“Newcastle is such an exciting place with the team doing well, State of Origin and now NRLW Magic Round coming to town,” Vette-Welsh said.
“Everyone knows how passionate the Hunter community is about the NRLW, I can’t wait to be part of it and get to work with the girls.”