![Wests Tigers announce NRL co-captains ahead of inaugural season](/contentassets/59b356e7d3b847d18edc07c9c7e88a57/63369122_vetterc1_0524_2021528184325.jpg?center=0.274%2C0.5&preset=hero-primary-wide)
Kezie Apps and Botille Vette-Welsh will lead Wests Tigers in the club’s inaugural NRLW season, which kicks off on Sunday 23rd July against Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium.
![](https://www.weststigers.com.au/SysSiteAssets/2023/07/11/wt2023_nrlw-captains-bg_web.jpg?center=0.26%2C0.53&preset=photo-inline)
The pair were officially announced as the team’s co-captains at Wests Tigers NRLW Season Launch at Wests Ashfield Leagues Club on Tuesday night.
![All smiles for Apps in pre-season training](https://www.weststigers.com.au/SysSiteAssets/2023/07/11/kezie_12.jpg?center=0.43%2C0.58&preset=photo-inline)
Apps is one of rugby league’s most decorated female players and became the Sky Blues most capped player when representing NSW in this year’s Origin series.
![Botille Vette-Welsh and Curtain sisters in pre-season training](https://www.weststigers.com.au/SysSiteAssets/2023/07/11/dsc09334-enhanced-nr_1.jpg?center=0.46%2C0.45&preset=photo-inline)
Vette-Welsh, who is also a NSW and Australia representative, returned from a 16-month injury layoff in Wests Tigers NRLW trial against the Sharks at the weekend.
“I’m really honoured to lead the team in our first year and I can’t wait for the season to kick off,” Apps said.
We’ve got a great bunch of girls and I look forward to taking on a leadership role with Botille.
Kezie Apps
Vette-Welsh is keen to get back to her best after missing the last NRLW season due to a knee injury.
“It’s been a long road back but I’m really excited about the season ahead,” she said.
“It was so good to get out there last weekend even though it was trial.
It’s a privilege to be named as co-captain in our very first season and I can’t wait for our first game.
Botille Vette-Welsh
Coach Brett Kimmorley says the choice to go with two captains was a simple one.
“Kezie and Bo both have all the qualities you want in a captain,” said Kimmorley.
“They are very well respected within the group and I know they are proud to take on this leadership role together.”
Wests Tigers 2023 NRLW Squad:
Kezie Apps, Bianca Bennetts, Emily Curtain, Sophie Curtain, Imogen Gobran, Najvada George, Rikeya Horne, Jessica Kennedy, Josie Lenaz, Losana Lutu, Salma Nour, Taylor Osborne, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Christian Pio, Rebecca Pollard, Ebony Prior, Eliza Siilata, Tess Staines, Hope Tevaga, Sarah Togatuki, Leianne Tufuga, Folau Vaki, Botille Vette-Welsh, Jakiya Whitfeld - Development players: Iemaima Etuale, Jae Patu, Brooke Talataina and Tiana-Lee Thorne.