Mackay rugby league star signs with newest NRLW team

The Mackay winger is the latest signing to a top-flight rugby league team after a strong season in the QRL.

Katie Green. QRL; BHP Premiership: Gold Stars Vs Brisbane Tigers at Jack Manski Oval, Townsville. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Rugby league fans in Mackay now have a new team to follow in the NRLW with two local players signing contracts in the big leagues.

Katie Green and Emma Manzelmann have confirmed deals with the Newcastle Knights, one of the league’s newest teams.

Green said it was an “exciting new chapter” to experience.

“It has been a challenging move for sure, I’m really excited for everything and I’m fortunate to have some family and friends in Newcastle,” she said.

“It’s been a strange start with the Covid-19 situation, but all the girls are slowly starting to get to know each other.”

Katie Green. QRL; BHP Premiership: Gold Stars Vs Brisbane Tigers at Jack Manski Oval, Townsville. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Green had a strong season for North Queensland Gold Stars in the BHP Premiership in 2021, scoring five tries from seven appearances.

She said her time with the Gold Stars had prepared her for the transition.

“The coaches at North Queensland were great, they really gave me the chance to learn I’m capable to play at that high level,” Green said.

“The biggest thing is having confidence and backing myself on the field.”

She said she was open to moving from her current position of winger to fit in with the team’s best structure.

“It’s all a little up in the air, once we start coming together a bit more we’ll start rolling into position,” Green said.

“I’m happy to play on the wing, happy to play in the centre, but any jersey I receive I’ll be grateful for, I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

With the growing outbreaks in New South Wales, there are concerns the NRLW will be delayed a month or relocated to ensure the season is played.

Green said training had been difficult for the team, with most of the squad stuck in lockdown.

“It’s been a bit of a setback, with no training last week,” she said.

“Two of the girls are stuck in New Zealand and haven’t made the trip over yet, but the rest of us are training in parks by ourselves and have clearance to begin team training next week.”