Townsville homecoming a dream for Teitzel after contract call

The chance to remain out of her comfort zone and away from familiar surroundings played a huge role in Romy Teitzel’s decision to knock back the Cowboys and re-join the Broncos in 2023.

Teitzel, a born and bred product from Townsville and the daughter of foundation Cowboys player Craig Teitzel, looked a sure thing to be part of North Queensland’s inaugural NRLW team this year given her family ties. 

However, negotiations between both parties eventually broke down with Teitzel instead accepting an opportunity to return to where she made her NRLW debut back in 2020 with the Broncos.

“It’s the best opportunity for me at the moment to be at Brisbane,” Teitzel said.

“I’m working down here. I think I’m still young and my footy is pretty important at the moment. It’s good to stay away from the family and grow personally.

“The Broncos are a great opportunity and coming out of a campaign with the Knights I have aspirations to play Origin and things like that.

“The competition is growing and we’re seeing 120 more athletes coming in. It was definitely my best opportunity but I don’t doubt that one day I’ll go home.”

Teitzel insists she had no unfinished business at the Broncos after only playing the one game before shifting to Newcastle, where she captained the Knights’ inaugural NRLW side.

“I don’t think so, if that was the case I wouldn’t have gone to Newcastle,” she said.

“I think it was quite a successful going down to Newcastle, I loved my time down there and thanked them for everything they did for me as a person and a player.

“I’m keen to keep building at the Broncos with a really good calibre of players and I think we’ll create something really special."

After going close to making her Origin debut in 2021 when she was named in the No.14 jersey before Tahnee Norris made a call to push her to 18th player, Teitzel has worked hard to earn back a Maroons jersey and a maiden game. 

She ran out onto Commbank Stadium against the Sky Blues on June 1 fulfilling a dream that required hard work and persistence and can't wait to do the same in front of a home crowd in Townsville after being named in the squad for Game Two.

“This is my third year with the Queensland team and I’m very thankful for the stepping stone and pathway they’ve given me,” she said.

“To be exposed to the campaign for a third year has helped me grow as a person and a player.

“It’s everything everyone says it is, it was fast and physical and there were plenty of nerves.

“If we can put on a performance like that in NSW and get the win then I can’t wait to get up to the heartland of North Queensland where they live and breathe rugby league.”