As seen on www.raiders.com.au

The Raiders are pleased to announce an international representative joining the club for its inaugural NRLW season.

Kiwi Fern Madison Bartlett have signed with the club for the 2023 season.

Bartlett joins Tungai, Simaima Taufa, Zahara Temara, Monalisa Soliola, Ash Quinlan and Sophie Holyman at the club, who were announced last week.

Bartlett has played six matches for the Kiwi Ferns, including being part of their 2021 World Cup campaign.

The 28-year-old has also played four seasons of NRLW, playing two seasons with the Warriors (2019-20), one season with the Dragons (2021) and one with the Titans (2022).

Bartlett is looking forward to relocating to Canberra from New Zealand for the club’s inaugural season.

“I’m super excited to have the opportunity to join the Raiders, especially being a part of the inaugural team,” Bartlett said.

“Bortho (Raiders NRLW coach Darrin Borthwick) is creating something special and I’m very privileged to be a part of it.

“He’s secured some awesome signings and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to learn, train and play alongside them.”

Borthwick is excited to coach both Tungai and Bartlett and see them take to the field when the season kicks off in late July.

“I’m really excited for Shak,” Borthwick said.

“She’s a great person but once again we’ve managed to get a good player as well.

“I think it’s a good change for her too to come down here and I know she’s very excited about it and she can’t wait to get down here and rip in with her teammates.

“Similar to Shak, I’ve worked with Mads before as well and I know what I get with Mads.

“She’s a great girl and she’s also a really good football player.

“She had a good World Cup with New Zealand and I think it’s important what she’s going to add to our team in terms of experience and her knowledge of the game will benefit our team for sure.”