NRLW 2024 market watch: Gold Coast extend hard-hitting teenager Rilee Jorgensen for further three years

Teen Titan Rilee Jorgensen says coach Karyn Murphy and last year’s grand final loss were key factors in re-signing with the club. NRLW market watch latest.

Rising Queensland NRLW star Rilee Jorgensen has signed a three-year contract extension with the Gold Coast as the club chases the first ever premiership for the region.

Jorgensen, 18, is one of the brightest young stars in the NRLW but says she can’t see herself playing anywhere else or for any other coach than Karyn Murphy.

The deal will keep her at the Titans until the end of 2026.

The Titans made a stunning run to the NRLW grand final this year but lost to Newcastle by six points in the decider.

It was a moment that bonded the Titans as they chase more success on the Gold Coast.

“The feeling after the grand final was weird because we were upset but so happy,” Jorgensen said.

“We didn’t get what we wanted but we proved so many people wrong by getting to the grand final.

Rising Titans star Rilee Jorgensen. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Jorgensen signed a three-year extension. Picture: Mike Batterham

“We were talking at out post-season after party and we were all saying that we don’t want to go anywhere else, we want to stay together.

“To see Jess (Elliston) and Shannon (Mato) re-sign, no one is going anywhere at the moment and I don’t want to be coached by anyone by Murph.”

Jorgensen is one of five 18-year-olds who starred for the Titans last season and 2024 is set to be even bigger.

The young forward developed a reputation as a hard-hitter with a crunching tackle technique, and was named player of the match in the women’s Under 19s Origin clash early last year.

This year she has her eyes set on a Maroons jumper, and eventually a Jillaroos jersey.

She is set to be named in the emerging Queensland Origin squad for a camp at the end of February, with the first women’s Origin match to be played on May 16 at Suncorp Stadium.

SHARKS SECURE MARQUEE STAR

Cronulla star Emma Tonegato has locked in her long-term NRLW future after signing an extension until the end of 2026.

Already contracted to the Sharks for 2024, the ex-Rugby Sevens Olympian has committed for a further two seasons.

It’s the first time in more than a decade of professional and semi-professional sport that she’s had such stability.

“It’s been great to debut for the Sharks and the first season was really special to me. I’m excited to continue that legacy,” Tonegato said.

“Being a female in sport, we’ve always had such short-term contracts. It’s the first time that I’ve locked in my future for a few years and I know where I’m going to be.

“Off field, that allows me to plan, know where I’m going to live and know what my income’s going to be. It’s the first time I’ve ever been in that position. It’s really nice and I’m hoping that will translate to a stress-free on-field performance.”

Emma Tonegato is one of the NRLW’s highest profile players. NRL Imagery

Tonegato is the biggest name on the Sharks’ books and the first to recommit long term after the club’s inaugural season in 2023.

The 28-year-old NSW and Australia star made the switch from fullback to five-eighth at club level, but overall it was a mixed first season for the Sharks and they missed the finals.

However, they’re building towards success in 2024 and the roster will be finalised in the coming weeks, with the NRLW season set to start in July.

“It’s a great re-signing for the club. Emma made the transition from fullback to five-eighth last season and had an exceptional year,” said NRLW coach Tony Herman.

“She’ll only get better into this season, so we’re thrilled to have her as part of the club moving forward. We’re looking forward to what she’ll do in 2024.”

Originally published as NRLW 2024 market watch: Gold Coast extend hard-hitting teenager Rilee Jorgensen for further three years