Wigan sign Nirada Phonsaya
WIGAN WARRIORS WOMEN ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE SIGNING OF SECOND ROW, NIRADA PHONSAYA, FROM WESTERN CLYDESDALES IN THE BMD PREMIERSHIP.
Born in Canberra in August 1999, the 24-year-old comes over from Australia to join the Warriors for the 2024 Betfred Women’s Super League season.
Phonsaya has 12-years of Rugby League playing experience, having also played Rugby Union. At U16 she represented ACT School Girls and at U18 the Canberra Raiders Tarsha Gale Cup as well as having played in the NSWRL Monaro Colts.
In 2021, she was awarded the Women’s representative Player of the Year in Canberra which motivated her to seek opportunities elsewhere. From there, she made the move from Canberra to Brisbane in 2021 to participate in the BMD Premiership, where she signed for Wynnum Manly Seagulls and played for two years.
Phonsaya, who is of Asian (Laos) heritage, represented Asian United XIII against the Philippines last year.
Most recently, the Second Row signed for Western Clydesdales, also in the BMD Premiership where she played alongside new recruit Rease Casey as well as Jillaroo World Cup winners Ali Brigginshaw and Kezie Apps, before making the move to Wigan for the rest of the 2024 season.
The Aussie forward will take the number 36 shirt and is available for selection for this weekend’s Nines Qualifiers and beyond.
Speaking on joining the Warriors, she said: “I saw the game on Sunday [v Featherstone Rovers] and it gave me a really good perspective of how the game is played here. The girls look to be playing really well so I’m excited to get started.
“The girls have been really welcoming since I arrived too which has helped a lot with the transition.”
Head Coach Denis Betts commented: “Following the signing of Rease Casey a few weeks ago, we’re happy to welcome Nirada on board from Australia too. Similarly, she’s made herself available not only to experience Rugby League over here but it’s also a chance for her to see another part of the World.
“Nirada brings with her a lot of good skills and a good standard in the second row. We look forward to her integrating into the team quickly and seeing her on the field soon.”
Watch Nirada’s first interview with Wigan TV after signing with the Club HERE.
Nirada Phonsaya is sponsored by Stuart & Helen Eastham.
