The Raiders are pleased to announce two more international representatives joining the club for its inaugural NRLW season.
Jillaroo Shakiah Tungai and Kiwi Fern Madison Bartlett have signed with the club for the 2023 season.
Tungai and Bartlett join Simaima Taufa, Zahara Temara, Monalisa Soliola, Ash Quinlan and Sophie Holyman at the club, who were announced last week.
Tungai has represented New South Wales, Australia and the Indigenous All Stars since coming over to Rugby League from a Soccer background.
The 26-year-old has played four seasons of NRLW - three with the Dragons between 2018 and 2020 and one season with the Broncos in 2022.
Tungai said she can’t wait to pull on the green jersey later this year.
“I’m so excited and honoured to be part of this club in its inaugural season,” Tungai said.
“I’m really grateful that I’ve been given the opportunity to be part of the club.
“I’m also excited to be part of history here at the Canberra Raiders with their inaugural team.”
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.”
