NRLW Market Watch: Amber Hall extends stay at Roosters, Keilee Joseph heads to Broncos

The Roosters have extended bullocking forward Amber Hall’s stay in a move which helps to offset the loss of a young Queensland Maroons and Jillaroos star. See the latest NRLW transfer news.

Kiwi forward Amber Hall will have a second chance at a fresh start after signing a new deal with Sydney Roosters for 2024.

The 28-year-old suffered a Lisfranc injury in round one of the NRLW season which ended her first year at the Roosters early after making the switch from Brisbane.

One of the best forwards in the game, Hall’s commitment for next season is an added boost for the club after losing Jillaroos lock Keilee Joseph to Brisbane (see below) for next season.

However, a handful of stars have also been locked in for another premiership push, with Jillaroos second-rower Olivia Kernick and Kiwi Ferns forward Mya Hill-Moana re-signing.

Kiwi ferns star Amber Hall.

Kernick, who was named Dally M Second Rower of the Year in 2023, has signed for a further two seasons and Hill-Moana another season.

“Olivia and Mya have been a part of our squad for a few years now, and in terms of dedication and commitment to the team, they’re right up there, so it’s great to have them locked in for the coming years,” said coach John Strange.

“Amber is a high-quality player and she has been doing well in her recovery. She was sorely missed in our 2023 campaign so it will be great to have her experience back in the squad next season.”

The signings come on the back of a retention spree by the Roosters, having locked in Jess Sergis, Tarryn Aiken and Isabelle Kelly recently.

JOSEPH FAREWELLS ROOSTERS FOR RETURN TO BRISBANE

Rising Australia and Queensland star Keilee Joseph will have a Brisbane homecoming in 2024 after signing a two-year NRLW deal with the Broncos.

The 21-year-old was the first player to graduate through the Sydney Roosters system back in 2021, and established herself as one of the finest young talents in the game.

In 22 games across three seasons, she has won a premiership and earned a State of Origin call up as well as inclusion in the Jillaroos squad.

But she has now called time with the Roosters to head home to Brisbane.

It’s a huge coup for the Broncos and coach Scott Prince, who is working to re-establish the ferocity of the former NRLW powerhouse.

“After seeing how well the Broncos did last year and what they put together, the style of footy, I just wanted to be part of it,” Joseph said.

Departing Roosters star Keilee Joseph will return to Brisbane in 2024, after signing a two-year deal with the club. Picture: Getty Images

“Princey (Scott Prince) and the Broncos flew my partner and I up to have a chat and everything he spoke about just made me want to make the move home.

“The opportunity to be back around my family too, who I’m really close to, is amazing.

“They’re pretty excited, although Dad’s a Penrith fan, so I don’t know if he’ll be wearing the colours, but they’re just happy to have me home.

“It’s been a pretty crazy year, playing my first Origin, and then being picked in the Jillaroos squad, I haven’t had too much time to reflect until now.

“Ali’s (Brigginshaw) been such a big support and mentor, and I learnt a lot playing with her in the Queensland team.

“So I can’t wait to take it all in in Brisbane, they’ve got some huge experience.”

Broncos coach Scott Prince has praised the arrival of Joseph, backing her experience to help the NRLW side go further in 2024. Picture: Getty Images

The Broncos made the top four this season but were narrowly beaten by Newcastle in the semi-finals, and their aim of winning a fourth title is still a work in progress.

Joseph is a big piece of the puzzle heading into 2024, adding grunt to the forward pack.

Last season she averaged 105 running metres per game, but a standout 45 tackles against Newcastle in round 9 showed how gutsy she is in defence too.

“This is great news for the Brisbane Broncos, to be bringing someone of Keilee’s calibre to the club, as one of the young superstars of the league,” Prince said.

“She has proven that she can step up when it matters and has grabbed hold of every opportunity that has come her way.

“She’s won a premiership and has played for her state, her country and her heritage – and now she’s coming to play for her hometown, it doesn’t get more special than this.”

Joseph will relocate to Brisbane next year, and will play for Souths Logan Magpies in the BMD Premiership until the NRLW pre-season kicks off midway through 2024.

JILLAROOS STARS LOCKED IN ON KEY DEALS

Sydney Roosters will make another charge for the NRLW premiership by locking in two of their biggest stars with Jess Sergis and Tarryn Aiken.

The Jillaroos pair were both off contract at the end of the season but have recommitted on multi-year deals.

Sergis, who won a premiership in her first season at the Roosters in 2021, has penned a long-term deal for the next four years, keeping her at the club until the end of 2027 despite interest from rival clubs.

She joins skipper Isabelle Kelly and star prop Millie Boyle on one of the longest deals in the NRLW side.

Tarryn Aiken in action for the Roosters. Picture: Getty Images

Jessica Sergis in action for the Roosters. Picture: Getty Images

Ex-Broncos star and Queensland five-eighth Aiken has signed a two-year contract, which keeps her locked in until the end of 2025.

“I really enjoyed my first year as a Rooster and I know that there’s a lot more improvement in me as a player and us as a team, so I’m excited about what’s to come over the next few years,” said Aiken.

The signings signal the club’s intent to win another premiership over the coming seasons.

They came close in 2023 but fell short in the semi-finals against the Titans.

“There’s such a good feeling at the club and whether it’s at training or on the footy field, everyone’s committed to pushing to get the best out of themselves,” Sergis said.

“I’m a Rooster through and through so I’m stoked to know that I’ll be here for at least the next four years.”

Originally published as NRLW Market Watch: Amber Hall extends stay at Roosters, Keilee Joseph heads to Broncos