Tess Staines signs NRLW deal with Parramatta Eels

The Leeton product, who spent most of this season playing women's rugby with CSU in Southern Inland this season, has signed a deal with new NRLW club Parramatta.

Securing a contract has been a big goal for the 19-year-old and while it's not quite sunk in yet the speedster can't wait for her opportunity.

"It's very exciting," Staines said. "It was always the goal to try to get as far as I could and a contract was always the dream.

"It is still kind of a bit surreal to be completely honest and I don't think it will hit me until I actually go up there"

However her new colours don't quite fit right just yet after the Eels denied the team she grew up supporting, Melbourne, on their quest for a record 20^th straight win on Saturday.

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The expanded NRLW season was meant to start in October but issues with COVID restrictions have seen it delayed until next year.

The current plan is for Staines to link with the Eels when training starts in January.

The 19-year-old believes it will allow her more time to prepare to take on the best Australia has to offer.

"It is probably good as the fitness needs a bit of boosting," she said.

Staines, who was part of the inaugural under 18s State Of Origin game in 2019, has been busy honing her trade in both rugby union and rugby league this season.

She was part of Riverina's run to the Country Championships final but also had plenty of opportunities with rugby union taking part in the AON sevens before being called into the ACT Brumbies Super W squad to go alongside her Southern Inland commitments.

It's seen her put in plenty of kilometres this year but she's thrilled to take the next step with league.

"It does mean a lot being a league contract because I always wanted to chase league but union popped up as well," Staines said.

"I was more than happy to go along with that but for it to happen in the sport I grew up playing, my brothers grew up playing and we all grew up watching is pretty amazing."