11 Feb 2022

Forsell confirms Women's squad for 2022 season

Leeds Rhinos Women's head coach Lois Forsell has confirmed her squad for the 2022 season ahead of the new campaign which begins next month with a Challenge Cup game against Huddersfield Giants.

Twelve players have come through the club's Academy pathway and five players have been added to the squad who made it to the Grand Final last season.

Speaking about her new look team Forsell said: "We have real strength in depth this year and hopefully we can keep everyone fit and healthy and we will have a squad who can push for silverware at the end of the season.

"We had a number of injuries last season which had a huge impact on us but this squad gives us plenty of option and creates lots of competition for places.

"We of course brought in Georgia Roche, an experienced international and former Woman of Steel, and she is a big addition for us. I am excited to see how her in a Leeds shirt and to see how she hoes paired with Courtney in the halves.

“Hanna Butcher is moving away from halves, which we haven't done with her since she joined the club in 2018. This will allow her to play a game she loves, running hard and tackling hard. Hanna is an outstanding player for us and I am pleased that she will be continuing in her role as vice-captain alongside Courtney.

“Emma Lumley has also joined the squad this season and she is already showing what a good communicator she is and makes us stringer in the pack. Jasmine Earnshaw-Cudjoe has also impressed since moving from Castleford and all the new signings have settled in well.

“This month we have also welcomed Sophia Williams, who plays at Illingworth open age. She has played Rugby Union and came along to one of our recent trials. Alexandra Barnes is the final new player who plays for RAF Rugby League and earned a place in the squad after a successful trial.

“Danika Priim of course retired last season and joined our Academy coaching staff. Amy Johnson, who has been a hige part of our squad since we formed, has decided to take some time away from the game and we hope that we are able to welcome her back in the future.

“This season we will also welcome back Shannon Lacey and Dannielle Anderson who all missed the entire last season. We all know how talented they both are and it will be great to have them back in the mix for selection. Dannielle is a couple of months off but she can't wait to get started again. We will also have Adaoha Akwiwu returning after her great start last year before her ACL injury. Tara Moxon picked up a foot injury at the end of last year but we are expecting her to kick on from her great first season at the club when she is back.

“We play our first pre-season game today against Warrington, which is a month ahead of the start of the season. We have trained well and it will be good to have a hit out today, but the main focus will be getting the fundamentals right. The girls are excited to play at Headingley and in front of a huge crowd and we are so pleased this will be our home ground for the 2022 Super League season

“It is pleasing that so many players in the squad who have come through our Academy - it certainly shows the pathway is working. We recently welcomed our new signings to the Academy at a special event at Headingley and it will be a big year for them after the setbacks of Covid. We also held more Academy trials this month and at the end of last year and I was encouraged to see the talent on show and I am excited for the future of our team.”