A move to the Broncos has been sealed for Jesse Southwell, with the star halfback confirming the bombshell move to Newcastle teammates in an acceptance speech at the club’s awards night.
Southwell’s future at the Knights has been a hot topic this season as rumours swirled that she was in talks to join the four-time premiership winners, the Broncos. Earlier this season Andrew Johns warned it would be a disaster for the competition if Southwell moved to the already powerhouse Brisbane side.
On Wednesday, the Immortal’s worst fears were confirmed when the Knights told Wide World of Sports that Southwell has informed the club of her exit.
LIVE UPDATES: AFL trade period day three
READ MORE: Cummins, Head offered $10m each to leave Aussie cricket
READ MORE: Feuds, scandal, bizarre calls: Roosters scoop forgotten awards
Lilly-Ann White of the Knights celebrates scoring a try with Jesse Southwell. Getty
At just 20, Southwell is arguably the best playmaker in the women’s game, with Johns consistently praising the halfback.
Broncos coach Scott Prince is not short of talent in his premiership-winning squad, with Southwell to add yet another boost to the spine.
No confirmation of her move has been made by the Broncos as of yet.
Speaking at Newcastle’s awards evening on Tuesday, Southwell expressed her gratitude for all those at the club who have helped her grow into the player she is.
“I’ve grown up a lot as a person and as a player,” she said after being presented the players’ player award.
Jesse Southwell walks with Tamika Upton of the Broncos after the Knights’ semi final defeat. NRL Imagery
“Coming back after Origin, I learned a lot. The coaching staff and the girls here let me carrying over what I learnt in that arena into Newcastle, that meant a lot to me.
“To be honest, every single player could be up here to receive this. It is so special and is something I wasn’t expecting.
“I love all the girls, it has meant a lot to me this year and this season being my last year in Newcastle.
“Watching that (season highlights) video before got me really sad.
“I have built relationships that will last for life.”
Southwell leaves the club after 40 games in the red, white and blue jersey.
The dual premiership winner is set to link up with Ali Brigginshaw in the halves at the Broncos, with Gayle Broughton departing Brisbane to join the Warriors in 2026.
Southwell will return to the field at the end of the month with the Jillaroos for the Pacific Championships.