Market watch: Knights sign former State of Origin star as Tamika Upton’s fullback replacement

The Knights have moved swiftly to cover the loss of superstar fullback Tamika Upton, with the club signing representative player Botille Vette-Welsh on a long-term deal that will keep her in Newcastle until at least the end of the 2027 season.

Losing the best fullback in the world to Brisbane is a huge blow, but it will be softened by Vette-Welsh’s arrival on a three-year deal if she can recapture the sort of form that gained her NSW honours from 2019-21.

Vette-Welsh had stints at the Dragons, Roosters and Eels before she suffered a major knee injury and has spent the past two seasons at the Wests Tigers, where she was co-captain in their inaugural year.

“Newcastle is such an exciting place with the team doing well, State of Origin and now NRLW Magic Round coming to town,” Vette-Welsh said.

“Everyone knows how passionate the Hunter community is about the NRLW. I can’t wait to be part of it and get to work with the girls.”

The 28-year-old scored two tries last season and is a key addition to the squad as the Knights look to bounce back following their semi-final loss to eventual premiers the Roosters that ended their hopes of winning three titles on the trot.

“Bo is a proven performer who will add skill and experience to our NRLW squad,” Knights director of football Peter Parr said.

“Bo is a high-quality player and we are delighted that she will be in Knights colours from next year.“