LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Jesse Southwell has publicly addressed her sister Hannah's recent decision to leave the Newcastle Knights and join the St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRLW.
Hannah, a former NSW Sky Blues and Australian Jillaroos representative, caused a stir in the rugby league community by requesting an immediate release from her Knights contract, which was set to run until 2027.
Her exit, alongside teammate Tamika Upton's departure, marked a significant change for the team.
As Jesse prepares to play for Queensland in the upcoming 2025 Women's State of Origin series, she expressed her support for her sister: "She's my sister, so to see her leave is pretty sad, but I want the best for her, and I want her to be happy." This sentiment captures the mixed emotions surrounding Hannah's departure but ultimately emphasizes family loyalty and support during her transition to a new team.