NRLW News: Cowboys sign dual-code Australian star Jakiya Whitfeld from Wests Tigers

The Cowboys have bolstered their backline with the addition of a Dally M recognised dual-code star who played every minute for Wests Tigers in 2023. Find out what it means for the side.

The Cowboys NRLW team have bolstered their backline with the addition of Dally M Winger of the Year Jakiya Whitfeld, who played every minute for Wests Tigers in 2023.

The dual-code star will add much-needed experience and maturity to North Queensland’s outside back department, despite still being just 22.

Whitfeld was called up to the Australian Jillaroos squad on Friday following the withdrawal of Julia Robinson for personal reasons.

It came just weeks after the former Australian rugby 7s player crossed for four tries with the PM’s XIII against the PNG Orchids.

Cowboys coach Ben Jeffries said Whitfeld would bring depth and competition to the squad in multiple positions as she was interested in a shift to fullback.

Jakiya Whitfeld playing for the Prime Minister's XIII. Picture: NRL Imagery

“She’s highly competitive and very consistent in what she does,” Jeffries said.

“She really wants to test herself at fullback or centre, obviously we know that she could play wing, so that’s something that we’ll test out during pre-season

“It’s really exciting to have another Jillaroo in our squad which will only bring more depth and consistency, and our players will be motivated to be better.”

Whitfeld received two Dally M honours in 2023, also collecting the NRLW Tackle of the Year award for an inspiring full-field pursuit of her new Jillaroos teammate Isabelle Kelly.

Jakiya Whitfeld arrives ahead of the 2023 Dally M Awards. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

She scored four tries in her first full season of NRLW and often proved hard to bring down, averaging almost eight tackle breaks and a linebreak per game.

But Jeffries said it was Whitfeld’s off-field character that convinced him to bring her on board.

“That was first and foremost for us, being a round character off the field,” Jeffries said.

“She’s a great personality, loves being out in the community and obviously the North Queensland Cowboys are a community club. We are huge on the community and she’s ready to embrace that.

“When I spoke to her briefly at the PM’s XIII it solidified that she was what we were looking for in a player on and off the field.”

Jakiya Whitfeld playing for the Prime Minister's XIII. Picture: NRL Imagery

The Cowboys endured a tough start to their inaugural NRLW season with only two wins and Jeffries indicated Whitfeld would not be the only signing this off-season.

“We’ve got minimal roster spots left, but we’re certainly active in the market this off-season and this signing showcases that,” Jeffries said.

“We’re just waiting on a couple of decisions from other players moving forward, if they don’t come off then we’ll obviously go back into the market.

“What we’ve tried to do is bring in better players from what we had this year – and that’s no disrespect to any players at our club this year – we need to be better and that’s part and parcel with roster management.”

Originally published as NRLW News: Cowboys sign dual-code Australian star Jakiya Whitfeld from Wests Tigers