The Western Force is delighted to confirm the re-signings of front row trio Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Braxton Walker and Alapeta Ngauamo for the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s season.
The trio are the latest re-signings confirmed for the Force’s 2026 Super W following on from Michaela Leonard, Sammy Wood, Nicole Ledington, Grace Freeman, Brooklyn Teki Joyce and Ngamihi Monk this week.
Kalamunda hooker Malcolm Heke, 25, is set to become the second player in Force Super W history to reach the quarter of century, having played 24 times for the Force since her debut in the 2019 season.
The tough-tackling hooker’s consistent displays led to her Wallaroos debut in 2024. Malcolm Heke has played three times for Australia.
Malcolm Heke, who is a mother to son Jayde, was voted into the Force vice captaincy last season in a sign of the esteem she’s held within the playing group.
Force Super W head coach Dylan Parsons said: “Hera-Barb is another local product who has been with us for many seasons now. She’s a leader within our group and our community.
“Her physicality is a point of difference. She’s in a key position that is important to continue to invest in.
“Her X-factor is she can really put big shots on and influence the game. She can get the girls up when she lands one of those big tackles. Hera is a very well-respected leader within our group and an important signing for us.
“She’s had a child during her time with the Force, which shows her resilience and some of the challenges some of our players face, as they grow their families. For her, to be able to hit that milestone, shows her persistence and commitment to the club.”
Kalamunda tighthead prop Walker, 25, enjoyed a strong 2025 Super W season, starting all five games.
Walker’s consistent campaign took her career tally to seven games, having debuted at Super W level for the Force in 2023.
The Kala Kweenz front-rower continued her strong year when she claimed the Women’s Fortescue Premier Grade top try scorer and top points scorer awards in August.
Parsons said: “Brax had a breakout season last year in a real specialist position at tighthead prop and made it her own.
“She’s taken a step up for all that game-time and experience. It’s been great to see Brax’s development over the last couple of years. She’s a really important re-signing and we are excited to help her on her trajectory.”
Wanneroo prop Ngauamo, who can play tighthead or loosehead, is another front-rower who didn’t miss a game in the 2025 Super W campaign, continually making an impact in closing out games. The 36-year-old has played 21 Super W games, including 11 for the Force since moving west from the Queensland Reds for the 2024 season.
Ngauamo recently retired from international rugby after becoming the oldest player to debut for the Wallaroos as a 35-year-old in September last year against Ireland.
She led North as co-captain during the recent North vs South Women’s Series and won this year’s Women’s Fortescue Premier Grade Never Ever Give Up (NEGU) for her attitude and performance.
Parsons said: “Petz has been able to move across to Perth and make it her home and establish herself among our WA rugby community.
“She’s an important team member. She has international experience, brings a really good work ethic and brings her professionalism to the group.
“Pet’z is a really good teacher, bringing some of our young ones through. She’s now starting to do a bit of coaching on the side as well, which just shows how she wants to help others get better. She’s an important member for us playing wise, but also a really important member for our culture and Maali DNA.”
