The Brisbane Broncos are the reigning premiers, but just got better with Dally M halfback of the year Jesse Southwell joining the club from the Knights in a huge coup.

Watch Every game LIVE on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo| New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

Southwell has scored seven tries in 40 NRLW games for the Knights since her debut in 2022 and has already played for the Sky Blues and the Jillaroos.

The 20-year-old has also played five Origins for the Blues and was picked for the Jillaroos for the Pacific Championships following her Dally M halfback gong in 2025.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

“The Broncos have signed Dally M Halfback of the Year and Jillaroos squad member, Jesse Southwell, on a two-year deal, through to the end of the 2027 season,” the club said in a statement.

Southwell scored two tries to go with nine try assists and eight linebreak assists last season and led the Knights to the preliminary finals.

Southwell was excited to join the reigning champions after four successful seasons at the Knights.

“The Broncos’ style of footy and the way that they’ve been playing the past few years has been really cool to watch and I wanted to see if it would work for me,” Southwell said.

“I’m looking forward to learning off Ali and Princey – given his NRL experience in my position.

MORE GRAND FINAL NEWS

CRAWLS: Five NRL contenders for history-making Aussie; bolter Kevvie MUST pick

KANGAROOS VERDICT: Major backline overhaul as halves headache solved

ZERO FOR SEVEN?! Double hat-trick leads PM’s XII past PNG despite horror kicking

Jesse Southwell joins the Broncos in 2026.Source: Getty Images

“I really want to win a premiership. Seeing the way the city here in Brisbane reacted to both team’s winning was super special, and something that gave me chills.”

Broncos’ NRLW Head Coach, Scott Prince is excited for the opportunity to coach someone of Southwell’s class and skill.

“She’s definitely mature beyond her age… you can just tell she thinks about the game, she’s got a really nice style,” Prince said.

Conquering Broncos given heroes welcome | 02:07

“She’s got so much experience for someone at her age, that’s a testament to the quality of player she is.

“I believe it’s one of those signings that you don’t get every day.

“I know the Broncos’ community will welcome her with open arms.”

Head of the the Broncos’ NRLW Program, Paul Dyer noted the club are entering an important period of transition amid a number of looming retirements, including skipper and playmaker Ali Brigginshaw at the end of next season.

“With the departure of Gayle Broughton and our inspirational co-captain Ali Brigginshaw coming towards the back end of her career, it was critical as a club that we started to plan for the future,” Dyer said.

“Girls we won…WE WON!” | 11:35

“The signing of Jesse cannot be understated, as we are not just investing in one of the game’s premier young playmakers, we are investing in the future of our NRLW program at the club.

“Her vision, leadership, and natural playmaking ability, coupled with the opportunity to develop under Scott Prince, is a really exciting prospect.”