‘What a gun’: Newcastle Knights teenager Jesse Southwell makes history on NRLW debut

Newcastle young gun Jesse Southwell has created history, scoring a try moments after becoming the NRLW’s youngest debutant.

Caitlan Johnston and Jesse Southwell of the Knights. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Newcastle Knights young gun Jesse Southwell has created history in the NRLW, scoring a try moments after becoming the competition’s youngest debutant.

The 17-year-old only needed five minutes to open her account, diving over for the first of Newcastle’s six tries during Sunday’s 32-14 upset victory over the Brisbane Broncos — the club’s first win in the NRLW.

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After receiving the ball from the back of a ruck, Southwell stepped past Broncos five-eighth Tarryn Aiken and palmed off prop Sophie Holyman before steaming through for the opening try of the match.

And soon after, Southwell opened up the Broncos’ defence to set up teammate Romy Teitzel in the 27th minute.

Fox Sports reporter Darcie McDonald tweeted: “I tell you what, Jesse Southwell is a very, very good player. And the Knights also look the goods.”

Junkee’s Lavender Baj posted: “Jesse Southwell is SEVENTEEN. She was born in 2005!!!! What the f***! What a gun!!”

The Knights, who had 10 players making their club debut, secured the stunning 18-point victory in front of 8323 fans at McDonald Jones Stadium, with marquee signing Millie Boyle contributing 18 runs for 159 metres.

Unfortunately, Southwell’s older sister, Hannah, left the field in the 33rd minute after suffering a suspected ACL injury.

SHE'S ONLY 17! 🤯

Jesse Southwell is the youngest ever debutant in NRL W history and scores the Knights' first of the season.

📺 Watch #NRLWKnightsBroncos on ch. 503 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/6U8vgulLMo
🔢MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/nNFE11XJAwpic.twitter.com/0pMavoO1Cu

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) August 21, 2022

Jesse Southwell!!!!
17 years old playing halfback for the @NRLKnights in her @NRLWomens debut AND scores the opening try. 🔥 🔥 🔥

— Kate Haberfield (@katehaberfield) August 21, 2022

Jesse Southwell is 17.
Jesse Southwell is 17.
Jesse Southwell is 17.#NRLW

— Alicia Newton (@anewts91) August 21, 2022

Earlier this month, Southwell won a Commonwealth Games gold medal following Australia’s rugby sevens triumph in Birmingham, appearing off the bench in the final against Fiji.

The teenager, who only passed her P-plate driving test a few months ago, officially joined the Knights’ squad after gaining an exemption from the NRL due to being underage.

Newcastle will next face the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday, 28 August, with kick-off scheduled for 6.10pm AEST.

Jesse Southwell of the Knights. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images