NRLW transfer tracker: Cowboys announce shock release of star Kirra Dibb
The Cowboys have lost their star co-captain, announcing Kirra Dibb’s shock release, while it’s double-trouble for the Knights who lose two of their most crucial players in one off-season.
The North Queensland Cowboys have announced the shock release of Kirra Dibb, the team’s co-captain and star player.
Dibb had been with the club since 2023, but the Cowboys took to Instagram Friday to announce that she would be leaving effective immediately.
It has not yet been announced where Dibb will next play.
KNIGHTS LOSE TWO STAR PLAYERS IN ONE OFF-SEASON
Newcastle have copped two big blows to their NRLW squad for next year with Jesse Southwell and Sheridan Gallagher announced as departing players at the club’s presentation night on Tuesday.
Both named in the Dally M team of the year last week, the pair were announced amid six players leaving the club in a big turnover for the semi-finalists.
Halfback of the year Southwell is set to join premiers Brisbane from next season, while Dally M winger of the year Gallagher is understood to be joining Canberra.
Leilani Ahsam, Viena Tinao, Leah Ollerton and Grace Kukutai were also farewelled during the event.
While Southwell’s move is well known, the loss of Gallagher comes as a surprise after three seasons with the club and 25 tries from 32 games.
“It’s been a special journey to come from soccer to move to Newcastle, away from the family, and for (former coach) Ronnie (Griffiths) to take that chance on me to get my start, and then to finish it with this group of girls it’s pretty special,” an emotional Gallagher said after being given the Gladiator award for her efforts this season.
“(My goal was to) play one game and to be sitting up here today to play 32 games is something I will hold close to my heart, I’ll hold this club close to my heart as well.”
A local star and two-time premiership winning halfback, Southwell’s exit stings for Knights fans after making her debut for the side as a 17-year-old.
She earned the Players’ Player award for this season and spoke for the first time about her decision to leave.
“I’ve grown up a lot the last couple of months, and coming back after Origin I learnt a lot in that space, the coaching staff and the girls let me carry what I learnt in that arena to Newcastle and that meant a lot to me,” she said.
“I think every single player could be up here to receive this, it’s so special and something I wasn’t expecting. I love all those girls and it’s meant a lot to me this year and this season being my last year at Newcastle it means a lot.
“I’ve grown a lot as a player and a person, watching that video (highlights of her time at the Knights) got me really sad.
“It’s full credit to the girls who have come and gone and those who have stayed, I’ve built relationships that I’ll have for life and something that I didn’t expect in school, I wasn’t around in school to make many friends, so to make friends in footy is pretty cool.”
The Broncos have yet to confirm her signature, but the NSW Origin halfback will join the premiers who lose Gayle Broughton and Mele Hufanga to the Warriors, as well as Keilee Joseph to Parramatta from their grand final winning side.
TIGERS LAND KIWI CAPTAIN
Wests Tigers have snatched one of the best players in the NRLW, signing former Dally M winner and Kiwi Ferns captain Raecene McGregor on a two-year deal.
The first big recruit for new coach Craig Sandercock, McGregor will join the Tigers for next year after spending the last three seasons at the Dragons.
The 27-year-old was told she wouldn’t be re-signed by the club at the end of the NRLW season, which comes as a huge win for the bottom-placed Tigers who are rebuilding heir squad ahead of 2026.
They’ve farewelled almost half of their NRLW squad and the signature of McGregor is the first in what’s expected to be a massive recruitment drive.
A former Golden Boot and premiership winner with Sydney Roosters and Brisbane, McGregor adds some much-needed experience to the squad alongside Jillaroos forwards Kezie Apps and Sarah Togatuki.
MATO GRANTED TITANS RELEASE
Jillaroos and Queensland Origin star Shannon Mato has been granted a release from her NRLW contract with Gold Coast on compassionate grounds.
The Brisbane-based 27-year-old spent this season sidelined after announcing her pregnancy early in the year, and on Tuesday morning the Titans confirmed she won’t be at the club in 2026.
With a baby on the way, Mato’s personal circumstances have changed and she requested a release from the final two years of her contract.
“Shannon has consistently been one of our best players on-field, claiming our NRLW player of the year award in two of the four seasons she’s played with us,” said Titans coach Karyn Murphy.
“She’s been a huge part of establishing our NRLW program and the club is grateful for her contributions both on and off field.
“We wish Shannon the best for the next stage of her career and thank her for what she’s brought during her time at the Titans.”
It will come as a massive blow to the Titans, with Mato considered the best prop in the NRLW across the past few seasons.
Should she opt to play on next year her options include staying local and returning to Brisbane or relocating elsewhere.
Mato played 27 games for the Titans since joining the club in 2021 but started her career with the Broncos in 2020, winning the NRLW premiership that season.
The Broncos have been linked with Newcastle halfback Jesse Southwell for next season, and are also believed to be losing a handful of players from their grand final side.
Star five-eighth Gayle Broughton and centre Mele Hufanga are set to join the Warriors in 2026, while Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala, Bree Spreadborough, Destiny Brill, Keilee Joseph, Montaya Hudson, Reegan Hicks and Shalom Sauaso are all off contract after the grand final.
WARRIORS ON THE MOVE
Set to pick up some of the biggest names in the game in 2026, the Warriors have cleared the decks in preparation.
Linked to Broughton and Hufanga, the Warriors have also hinted at signing two more big name internationals for next season.
After missing out on the finals in their return to the NRLW, the Warriors have bid farewell to seven players from the squad.
Former Rugby 7s star Michaela Brake won’t be returning after announcing her pregnancy in August. She’s due in March.
Hooker Avery-Rose Carmont, halfback Emily Curtain, middle forward Makayla Eli, front rower Lavinia Kitai, utility back Kalyn Takitimu-Cook and halfback-hooker Lydia Turua-Quedley also haven’t been re-signed.
It leaves Curtain in a dicey time in her career.
The 24-year-old suffered an ACL injury back in August, and will miss the majority of next season in recovery.
EELS CLEANOUT
Parramatta have had a massive clean-out of NRLW talent, farewelling nine players from their roster for next season.
English international Paige Travis is among them, with the club opting not to take up an option in their favour for a second season.
Others farewelled were Ruby-Jean Kennard Ellis, Madeline Jones, Yasmine Baker, Kiana Takairangi, Chelsea Makira, Tyla Amatu, Rysh’e Fa’amausili and Mia Middleton.
Some could find their way back into the side next year if they remain with the NSW Cup team, while the Eels are prioritising promoting from within their successful pathways.
This year development player Fontayne Tufaga and rising stars Tess McWilliams and Ryvrr-Lee Alo all made an impact on the top squad after coming through the Eels systems.
TIGERS MASS EXIT
Incoming Wests Tigers coach Craig Sandercock has wasted no time in making sweeping changes with 13 players farewelled from the squad.
In a huge turnover, the Tigers have released half Evie McGrath, hooker Salma Nour, outside back Rebecca Pollard, as well as
Tallara Bamblett, Claudia Brown, Aaliyah Bula, Iemaima Etuale, Amelia Huakau, Tiresa Leasuasu, Claudia Nielsen, Jessikah Reeves, Chelsea Savill and Tiana-Lee Thorne.
The Tigers finished with the wooden spoon for the second-straight season this year and are desperate for a change of fortune under Sandercock in 2026.
‘Gutted’: Brutal contract call that blindsided injured Dragon
