The Wests Tigers have announced a double signing boost for the 2026 season, with two-time premiership winner Rima Butler and experienced second rower Tyson Frizell joining the club.
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Frizell was on the lookout for a new club after finishing up at the Knights, where he mentored the club’s emerging second rowers Francis Manuleleua and Jermaine McEwen.
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The 35-year-old was first linked with a potential move to the Tigers last month and adds experience to a Tigers pack that is teeming with young talent, including Samuela Fainu and Kai Pearce-Paul in the second row.
Frizell will be joining the Tigers on a one-year deal and joins Jake Averillo, Jayden Brailey, Junior Tupou and Kurt Mann as the club’s recruits for the 2027 season.
“I’m really looking forward to joining the Wests Tigers in 2027,’’ Frizell said.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for me at this stage of my career and I’m grateful for the chance to be part of what the club and Benji are building.
“There’s a lot of exciting young talent coming through. I’m hoping I can add some value through my experience and leadership, both on and off the field.”
Tigers NRL coach Benji Marshall, meanwhile, called Frizell the “most professional player I’ve ever seen when it comes to preparation” and said the 306-game veteran’s experience and leadership would be “invaluable” for his young playing group.
“He will show people here what first grade preparation looks like week in, week out,” Marshall added.
“Tyson doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to that kind of stuff.”
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Meanwhile, the Tigers’ much-improved NRLW team has also landed a big coup on the transfer market by signing star Roosters front rower Butler on a three-year deal.
Butler brings all kinds of representative experience to Craig Sandercock’s side, having played for the Jillaroos, NSW Blues and Māori All Stars while she is also a four-time grand finalist and two-time premiership winner with the Eels, Knights and Roosters.
“Growing up in Minto, it means the world to be joining the Wests Tigers and being part of what’s going on there,” Butler said.
“I’m already excited to get back out there in the off-season and get to work with Sandy and the girls.
“The club’s going in such a great direction and I’m keen to go hard and build on the team’s momentum.”
Sandercock called Butler “one of the premier front rowers” in the NRLW, with the Minto Cobras junior bringing even more power to a Tigers forward pack that is headlined by skipper Kezie Apps.
“She’s someone who has done it all at this level. Rima’s won premierships, played State of Origin and represented Australia,” added Sandercock.
“To have a player of Rima’s calibre will bring a lot to our squad. I’m really looking forward to seeing what she’ll bring on and off the field.”
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