YORK Valkyrie have signed half-back Ellie Williamson ahead of the 2025 Women's Super League season.

The 21-year-old Australian becomes Lindsay Anfield's first confirmed off-season signing and joins Sade Rihari, Lucy Eastwood and Liv Gale as the club's half-back options.

Williamson arrives in York from Harvey Norman Premiership side Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, having also spent time at St George Illawarra Dragons, where she made one NRLW appearance in 2023.

Known for her strong running and kicking game, she has experience in both codes, having played rugby union before moving to league, where she gained representative honours playing Under 18s Origin.

Director of rugby Anfield believes that Williamson's signing will allow the club to play more expansively as they bid for an unprecedented Women's Super League Grand Final three-peat.

“We’ve had to play a certain style of rugby for the past few years because of the personnel we’ve had," she explained.

“We’ve had a predominantly defensive way which has been successful for us for the past few years but to entertain and really push the women’s brand of rugby, we have to be more fluent and expansive.

“To do that we have to bring in those players that we have.”

On joining the Women’s Super League Champions, Williamson said: “Lindsay reached out to me.

"I wasn’t too happy in Sydney so I thought I’d change it up and move over here.

“I’m expecting to make the Grand Finals and hopefully win! That would be good for the team. Hopefully we can get them there.

“I’m a team player. I play for the team and try to keep everyone together.”

The Valkyrie will kickstart their 2025 season against Huddersfield Giants and Featherstone Rovers in the group stages of the Women's Challenge Cup in April.