Young talent is just as crucial as experience and the St George Illawarra Dragons have re-signed Charlotte Basham until the end of the 2026 season.
Still only 19, Basham made her NRLW debut in the final game of 2023 and has played in a total of seven games to date.
A Corrimal Cougars junior, Basham was a key player in the Illawarra Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup win in 2024.
New Dragons NRLW coach Nathan Cross is keen to utilise the pathways the club has at their disposal when it comes to retaining key talent.
“We’re really pleased to be locking Charlotte down for another year,” Cross said.
“She’s a local junior from Corrimal and has progressed through our pathways system with Illawarra.
“We’re always focused on strengthening and supporting our pathways and ensuring that the players at those levels have role models and examples to look up to. Charlotte is an extremely hard worker who deserves everything that comes her way.”
Basham herself is pleased to have a new deal and her future sorted for a little while with the Dragons.
“It’s really exciting to know I’ll be a Dragon for at least the next two seasons,” Basham said.
“I’ve come through the system here and have some really good relationships with teammates and staff, especially the girls I’ve come through the grades with.
“I’m confident in the direction that we are headed and am excited for what the season holds.”