Wests Tigers welcome four new NRLW Development players for 2026
The Wests Tigers are pleased to announce the addition of four new Development players to the Club’s NRLW squad ahead of the 2026 season.
Kayla Henderson, Diamond Graham, Vasaliva Feleti, and Lahnayah Daniel will join the program, reinforcing the Club’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
The diverse group of players will be involved with the NRLW squad in a development capacity, given the opportunity to hone their skills under the guidance of Craig Sandercock, while getting valuable playing time within the Club’s Pathway.
In addition to training alongside established stars in the top squad, the players will work closely with elite coaching and performance staff – guiding all facets of their journey as athletes.
Wests Tigers NRLW Head Coach, Craig Sandercock is excited about the prospect of seeing this group of Development players start their journey in a professional system.
“The whole purpose is to get them into the NRLW system, help them learn their trade and accelerate their development,” Sandercock said.
“They’re exposed to NRLW training standards and expectations and get to work with our leading players.
“They’re around the likes Kezie Apps, Sarah Togatuki, Raecene McGregor and the rest of the squad, so they learn what it takes to be at an elite level. That’s a massive part of their learning.”
Kayla Henderson joins the program after an impressive season in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership with the Newcastle Knights, where she played a key role in their run to the Grand Final.
“She’s really quick on her feet, trains hard and can play across the outside backs – fullback or wing. We’re really happy with how she’s progressing.”
One of the youngest recruits, Diamond Graham, who has already shown her potential on the national stage.
“She’s still really young and played Australian Schoolgirls last year as a dummy-half. I’m excited to see how she develops when she comes in and trains with our NRLW players.”
A powerful outside back, Vasailva Feleti who got her first opportunity playing rugby league in Australia through a Tongan age-group teams tour in 2024 and has been developing her game with the North Sydney Bears in the Tarsha Gale Cup.
“She’s a really strong centre or outside back. We believe she has a bright future and we’re looking forward to bringing the best out in her as she develops.”
Back rower, Lahnayah Daniel brings experience playing in an open-age competition, highlighting her readiness for the next step.
“The idea is for her to learn from players like Kezie Apps, Shaylee Bent and others and really understand what it takes to perform at the highest level.”
The Wests Tigers NRLW side’s season will begin on Sunday, 5 July at CommBank Stadium against the Parramatta Eels.
