Tiana the Sharks 24th in a major NRLW boost

After securing a release from her previous club, NSW Origin and Jillaroos centre Tiana Penitani has become the 24th and final player signing for the Sharks ahead of the start of the 2023 NRLW season.

In a major boost to the Sharks in their inaugural season in the NRLW competition, Penitani signed the deal before last nights contract deadline and in advance of her going into the NSW Blues Origin camp today.

Understandably coach Tony Herman was thrilled with the acquisition of a player who adds class and perhaps more importantly leadership to the Sharks team for the season ahead.

“Tiana is an exceptional player and a fantastic addition to our squad,” Herman said. "She has represented the Sharks in the Harvey Norman competition, knows what the club is about and her experience and leadership will be invaluable. 

"You might say as the 24th signing she is the final piece to our puzzle, but a very important one. Now we look forward to training starting next week then the season getting underway." 

After playing rugby league as a youngster, lack of a female pathway at the time saw Penitani make the move to rugby union, where she would quickly prove to be a considerable success.

Alongside current Sharks and NSW Origin teammate Brooke Anderson, Penitani captained an Australian team to a gold medal at the 2014 Youth Olympics, before being transitioned into the senior game where at age 17 she would become the codes youngest ever Australian representative in either the 15-a-side or 7’s format.

Following a celebrated career in rugby union and a career set back due to an ACL injury, Penitani returned to rugby league with the Sharks in 2019, playing for the club’s NSWRL Women’s Premiership team.

She would represent NSW City, before making her debut for the Sky Blues in the State of Origin series that same year, then play for the Dragons in the NRLW in 2019 and 2020, switching to the Eels in 2021 where Penitani was a member of the team beaten by the Knights in the 2022 Grand Final.

Along the way she has played four games for NSW, four for Australia in the World Cup 9’s in 2019, where she was the tournament’s leading try scorer, along with one international match for the Jillaroos.

Penitani will now be one of three Sharks players involved in game one of the Women’s State of Origin series next week, alongside Emma Tonegato and Brooke Anderson. Ellie Johnston and Quincy Dodd have been included on an extended NSW bench.

The signing pf Penitani completes the Sharks roster for their first season in the NRLW, the squad of 24 featuring a combination of youth and experience, with the Origin Sharks to join the rest of the team at pre-season training following game one of the series next Thursday.

Day one of Sharks NRLW training officially gets underway on Monday.