The Parramatta Eels have locked in key signings ahead of the 2023 NRLW season, including two female full-time staffers for the first time since the Club entered the competition.
Dean Widders will return as head coach for 2023, along with NRLW Program Manager Andy Patmore.
NRLW Operations and Development Manager Kate Parkinson and Female Coaching and Development Manager Kate Mullaly will join the women’s program full-time for the first time since the team was formed.
The team is growing in line with next year’s season expansion from six to ten teams and nine regular rounds before finals.
General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill said the appointments are a huge step towards continuing to grow the Eels’ women’s program.
“This is an exciting step for the Club as we look to grow female participation in both our pathways and at the NRLW level,” O’Neill said.
“Andy will continue to manage the NRLW program and Dean just had his most successful season as the NRLW Head Coach. Both Dean and Andy have built strong connections with the Club and team during our first two seasons in the competition and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2023.
“Kate Parkinson is very detailed in her approach and has been a huge asset to the Eels NRLW program. Now having Kate in a full-time capacity will ensure our NRLW and supporting female programs will be professionally run and continue to enable our women to pursue their NRLW aspirations moving forward. Kate will begin in January 2023.
“Kate Mullaly joined the Club after returning from the World Cup, where she was a Jillaroos assistant coach. Kate, as both a former top-level player and her coaching credentials, will play a huge role in strengthening our pathways program up to the NRLW and we look forward to Kate’s increased role at the Eels.”
