Kirra Dibb and Tallisha Harden have tonight been unveiled as the inaugural co-captains of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys NRLW team.
The star duo were announced as co-captains at tonight’s NRLW Season Launch at The Ville Resort-Casino.
Both former international and State of Origin representatives, Dibb and Harden were recruited as much for their off-field leadership as their on-field brilliance for the Cowboys’ maiden season in the NRLW.
A 2022 NRLW premiership winner with the Newcastle Knights, Dibb comes to North Queensland as one of the form players of the 2023 Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership.
The 25-year-old has appeared in 18 NRLW games over the course of four seasons for the Roosters, Warriors and Knights.
A talented five-eighth, Dibb has also represented NSW at State of Origin twice, the Jillaroos, Prime Minister’s XIII and the Australian Nines.
Harden is established as one of the veterans of the women’s game, having made her debut for the Indigenous All Stars in 2014.
The 30-year-old has played 18 NRLW games for the Broncos and Roosters, starting at second-row and scoring a try in Brisbane’s 28-10 grand final victory over the Roosters in 2020.
Harden has represented the Indigenous All Stars on six occasions, Queensland at State of Origin level five times along with four caps for the Jillaroos and three for the Australian Nines.
“The decision came down to what was best for our team right now heading into our inaugural season,” Cowboys NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries said.
“Both players have done it all in their careers, they’ve both played for their country, their state and won premierships.
“When Tallisha steps into a room she has a presence and a calming factor, which rubs off on the group. I know that first-hand from working with her in Indigenous All Stars camps and we have a huge contingent of Indigenous players in our squad who all look up to her.
“She is like the Godmother of our group. She will always find something positive out of a negative situation.
“For Kirra, this is the next evolution for her career. She has always been a leader because of the position she plays, but when I had a conversation with her about being a leader of our group, I could tell she was ready.
“Being a marquee signing, Kirra will have a huge influence on our group, both on and off the field.”
