Leeds swoop for former Woman of Steel
Leeds have signed former Woman of Steel Georgia Roche from Castleford.
Roche, 21, was the first ever winner of the award in 2018, a year in which she also made her England debut.
She now makes the move to Headingley ahead of the 2022 Women’s Super League season.
Roche said: “I am really excited to be joining the club. I know the team has really high ambitions and expectations and I am looking forward to trying to meet them myself and pushing and challenging against the players that are already here to make a mark in that squad.
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“I’ve played with some of the girls when I was younger so it will be good to play with them again. I am hoping to take that step to the next level to this elite environment that we all talk about and the elite training and coaching.
“I would like to say a massive thank you to Castleford Tigers, the girls and the past coaching staff and the coaching staff this year and the girls that stuck with us. Without them I wouldn’t be the player I am today so just a big thank you and everything is appreciated.
“When I was at Castleford we were in the same environment that we wanted to get to the Final and look to win it so to come to another club that has the same ambitions is massive and hopefully we manage to achieve success next season.”
Massive signing
Georgia Roche has played in every season of the Women’s Super League having joined Featherstone for its inaugural season in 2017.
She played for Castleford in their 2018 Challenge Cup final defeat to Leeds, and helped the Tigers to the League Leaders Shield in 2019.
Rhinos Head coach Lois Forsell added: “This is an absolutely massive signing for us.
“She has been around the Women’s game for a long time for a young age.
“She’s performed really well and we are really excited to bring her to the club and hopefully it will bring her game to another level and she will really enjoy representing the Rhinos.”
Roche becomes the latest in a line of high profile departures from Castleford this year.
Coach Lindsay Anfield left the club to join York, and took no fewer than five players with her.
They included the likes of Kelsey Gentles and Sinead Peach, while experienced back-rower Shona Hoyle has recently joined Huddersfield.
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