The St George Illawarra Dragons have signed Queensland Maroons star Makenzie Weale until at least the end of the 2029 season.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Dragons,” Weale said.
“Sammy Bremner has been successful on and off the field for many years now, Mark Riddell has loads of experience across all areas of the game, and Crossy is someone I have a very good relationship with from the Maroons set-up.
“When we sat down, we connected straight away and I felt confident we could be a highly competitive team over the next few years. I can’t wait to pull on this jersey, get to know my new teammates, and the community in general.”
Weale made her NRLW debut in 2022 as part of Newcastle’s premiership-winning squad before linking up with the Cowboys the following year.
A West Mitchelton Panthers product, Weale has become one of the premiership’s elite middle forwards, earning a State of Origin debut in 2024.
The 24-year-old joins the Dragons with a résumé that includes eight Origin caps, an Australian Prime Minister’s XIII nod, and 35 NRLW appearances, whilst earning selection in the Jillaroos squad for this year’s World Cup.
Weale averaged 142 run metres this season – the second-highest mark among all forwards in the competition – and tallied 427 tackles at 93 per cent efficiency, en route to a Players’ Player nod in North Queensland and a Dally M Lock of the Year nomination.
Director of Female Football Sammy Bremner is excited to be adding Weale to an already strong list of recruits for the side’s 2027 campaign.
“Makenzie is such a big addition for our club and we cannot wait to welcome her,” Bremner said.
“She has developed into one of the elite players in the NRLW and will add so much to our side. She’s strong, athletic, has an incredible work ethic, and at only 24, has so much good footy ahead of her.
“She is also a natural leader. We are looking forward to her playing a really important role for us over the coming years.”
