From Championship Glory to Homecoming
In what has been a remarkable year for NRLW sensation Keilee Joseph, the rugby league star has announced a significant career move that will see her return to New South Wales. Fresh from securing her second premiership title with the Brisbane Broncos and leading the Jillaroos to Pacific Cup victory, Joseph is heading back to Sydney to join Parramatta Eels for the upcoming season.
Love Behind the Move
The decision to leave the Broncos stems from personal reasons, with Joseph revealing she's moving to be closer to her fiancé, Jack. The couple have lived apart for two years while Joseph pursued her career in Brisbane, and now wedding planning has accelerated her return home.
"It was a great season with the Broncos this year, finishing off with a ring," Joseph told The Courier Mail. "But my partner is in Penrith and I thought it's just time to come home. I'm really excited to have a fresh start at Parramatta."
Rejecting Rivals for Eels Opportunity
Joseph had multiple offers on the table but ultimately chose Parramatta over approaches from her former club the Sydney Roosters and the Wests Tigers. The talented lock forward believes she can make a significant impact with her new team.
"Hopefully I can bring some knowledge to their team and help lead the forward pack," she said, acknowledging the difficulty of leaving Brisbane. "It's such a good bunch of girls at the Broncos, but I just know for me moving forward Parramatta is the best decision for me."
Massive Year Ahead
The 2024 season has been exceptionally productive for Joseph, who made 13 appearances for the Broncos, completed 399 tackles and accumulated 1,429 running metres. However, next year promises to be even bigger with both professional and personal milestones.
"I get married at the end of next year, so that's another reason I had to come home. Wedding planning," Joseph explained. "It's a big year coming. We have the World Cup, and then two weeks later is our wedding day."
Before the excitement begins, Joseph plans to enjoy some downtime. "I can't wait for the off-season," she says. "We're going on a holiday to Hamilton Island to relax. I'm very excited to switch off a bit."
The Parramatta Eels will begin their 2025 NRLW campaign against the Wests Tigers on July 5, marking Joseph's official return to Sydney-based rugby league after her successful stint in Queensland.
