WARRINGTON Wolves Women have boosted their squad ahead of their opening Super League game with the signing of Gracie Bradshaw from Wigan Warriors.
Southport-born Bradshaw, 19, will go straight into the squad for the tie against Huddersfield Giants at the Halliwell Jones Stadium this Sunday, kicking off at noon.
The strong-running centre or second rower has had first team experience with both St Helens and Wigan over the past couple of seasons, helping the Warriors to win the Women’s Nines at Hull KR last year.
She started out playing Rugby Union for her hometown club as an eight-year-old before moving to Hillside, then Liverpool St Helens. She also attended the Sale Sharks Centre of Excellence.
She has also taken part in England Rugby League’s Diploma in Sporting Excellence and went to France with a squad that included new teammate Emma Knowles.
Bradshaw, who has played league for Haydock, Blackbrook and Orrell, is excited at the opportunity to play for the Wire.
She said: “I’ve been offered the chance to get more game time, which is what I am looking for but wasn’t getting at Wigan.
“I think this is the best move I have made and am really looking forward to it. I’ve met the girls and they have made me feel really welcome as I played with most of them at community level.”
Wolves’ head coach Ged Ginty approached the Warriors about signing Bradshaw initially on loan after the club lost Abbie Singleton and Amber Harmon to Swinton earlier this month.
He said: “We are delighted Gracie has decided to join us permanently rather than on loan because she will have a positive impact and it would have been a shame to have lost that.
“We had a good conversation and she wants to play at Super League level consistently, which she will get here.
“This is a signing I have wanted to happen since I took over here in December.
“She fits the style of play we are looking to get here. She runs good lines and has great pace but is also aggressive in defence.
“I’ve been following Gracie’s journey for quite some time and think she has got a massive future here at Warrington. We are really excited to have her on board.”
Speaking about Sunday’s game, he said: “Playing at the Halliwell Jones is massive for us and I hope we get a good crowd in.
“I think the supporters know what we are trying to achieve with the changes we have made here and that might take time to bed in, but we have brought in some quality players.
“It’s going to be a tough game but I have massive confidence in our girls and that they will turn up.”
