Western Clydesdales sign NRLW stars Kezie Apps and Leianne Tufuga

The Western Clydesdales have asserted themselves as early premiership favourites after a pair of massive signings this week which will send shockwaves across the competition.See who they signed here.

Kezie Apps holds off Tetuanui Dean during the 2021 Women's Rugby League World Cup. Photo: Jan Kruger/Getty Images.

The Western Clydesdales have sent shockwaves across the BMD Premiership after a pair of game-changing signings this week.

Jillaroo Kezie Apps and New Zealand international Leianne Tufuga are set to join an already stacked Clydesdales line up for their inaugural BMD Premiership season this year.

Apps is a talented forward who won the Dally M Female Player of the Year award in 2016 and has captained both Australia and New South Wales.

Tufuga is an electric outside back who has scored nine tries in 21 NRLW games with Wests Tigers and the Sydney Roosters.

In 2023, she made her international debut for the Kiwi Ferns and has played three tests for a country.

For Clydesdales CEO Shane Sullivan, the importance of the pair of additions could not be understated.

“I think it is a very exciting prospect for us, it has been a good build up for our women’s program and to get players of that calibre shows as a club we are on the right track.” he said.

“Paired with our local girls they are going to add some great experience and insight into what its like to plat at the top level.

“Leianne is still young but has played three years in NRLW which shows the fast trajectory you can have in the women’s game,

“Kezie has years of experience at all levels and is a solid leader who will add to our leadership group.”

Sullivan expects the Clydesdales to make massive strides as a club in 2024, as the club enters its second year playing at the state level.

“We believe it is an exciting period,” he said.

“I think 2024 is going to be a watershed year for the club.

“We have learnt from our initial foray in 2023, I believe we are doing the right things on and off the field to continue to develop the club.”

The pair will join an already stacked roster which includes NRLW legend Ali Brigginshaw, Toowoomba NRLW star Shenae Ciesiolka and several other star players.

With the first pre-season trials just around the corner, the excitement throughout the club is palpable.

“It is a very positive atmospjhere at the moment,” Sullivan said.

“Everyone is working very hard, I have never seen a fitter side at training and they are excited to get on the field.”

Fans will get their first glimpses of the new-look men’s and women’s Clydesdales next wekeekend when they take on the Sunshine Coast Falcons in a trial match at Caboolture.

The women’s team will then play in the Garden City for the very first time when it takes on the Brisbane Tigers in a trial at Brothers Toowoomba on February 17.