Former Jillaroos captain Sam Bremner makes surprise NRLW return to injury cursed Roosters
Former Jillaroos star Sam Bremner is set to return to the NRLW just two years after announcing she was hanging up the boots.
Bremner, who was an assistant coach for the Sky Blues in their recent State of Origin victory, signed a deal with the Sydney Roosters for the 2024 season.
The surprise announcement came just a week out from the injury-cursed Roosters' round one match against two-time reigning premiership winners the Newcastle Knights, with star players Corban Baxter and Brydie Parker set to face extended stints on the sidelines.
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Bremner will likely take over the reins from Baxter at fullback after the star playmaker was confirmed to have suffered a season-ending ACL injury during the side's trial game against the Cronulla Sharks.
Parker will be sidelined for up to eight weeks with a forearm fracture that she also suffered late in the trial game.
Sam Bremner during the World Cup Final match between Australia and New Zealand in 2022. CameraSport via Getty Images
Bremner, whose professional career spanned over 10 years, led the Jillaroos to victory in the 2022 World Cup, alongside co-captains Kezie Apps and Ali Brigginshaw.
She made her NRLW debut with the Dragons in 2018 before switching to the Roosters in her final season in the competition, where she was named at fullback in the 2022 Dally M NRLW Team of the Year.
"Sam has already made a significant impact on the sport and we are thrilled to welcome her back," Roosters NRLW Head Coach John Strange said.
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"Her decision to come out of retirement speaks volumes about her passion for the game and this club.
"Sam's skill, experience and leadership are second to none and her presence will be a huge asset to our squad.
"While Sam is incredibly fit and has a very strong footy IQ, we won't be rushing her into the side before she has had the opportunity to reacquaint herself with the rigours of NRLW training."
