15 July 2024
Kiwi Ferns #144 Madison Bartlett and #169 Annessa Biddle have inked extensions with the Canberra Raiders and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
Bartlett has extended with the Raiders until the end of the 2026 season, as one of the NRLW’s most prolific wingers scoring 18 NRLW tries from 25 games since her debut in 2019.
She was Canberra’s leading try-scorer of 2023, with nine tries in seven appearances. Bartlett said she was excited about continuing to play under Darren Borthwick and have her long-term future settled with the Raiders.
“My short-term goal is doing well with the team but I think also having a consistent coach helps with going to the next level,” Bartlett said.
Meanwhile, the Sharks have extended young star Annessa Biddle on a new two-year contract to remain at the club until at least the end of 2027.
The 2023 NRLW Dally M Rookie of the Year burst onto the scene last season, scoring two tries across eight matches for the Sharks before earning her maiden New Zealand cap in October.
“Annessa was outstanding last season and, scarily, is only going to get better with more experience,” coach Tony Herman said.
“Not only is she naturally gifted, but Annessa also works extremely hard and is a pleasure to coach. She will be a pillar of our team for years to come.”
All NRLW sides have now finalised their top-24 squads for the upcoming 2024 season kicking off on 25 July featuring several past and current Kiwi Ferns, as well as Ferns-eligible wāhine. See here for the complete list of Kiwi women to keep an eye out for this season.