Cricket
Racing
Rugby
League
Motorsport
Football
Golf
Combat Sports
Basketball
Tennis
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Newcastle Knights battle to sign Black Ferns great
Scott Bailey, AAP • February 21st, 2025 7:50 am
Photo: AP
Newcastle's bid to regenerate their women's roster after a summer of high-profile exits is facing a challenge, with the NRL holding off approving the potential arrival of New Zealand rugby star Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.
After Tamika Upton's departure for Brisbane and with recently-released captain Hannah Southwell set to join St George Illawarra, the Knights have identified Woodman-Wickliffe as a potential big-name signing.
The former Black Ferns winger and New Zealand sevens champion retired from rugby last year, after 24 Tests for her country, two World Cup triumphs, two World Cup sevens title and two Olympic gold medals.
The 33-year-old at the time expressed a desire to play in the NRLW, and it's believed both Woodman-Wickliffe and Newcastle are keen to make the switch work.
Woodman-Wickliffe's arrival would be a massive boost for the Knights, given her status in rugby union in New Zealand and her ability to be a potent try-scorer.
But AAP has been told the NRL are yet to green light the move, amid potential concerns around Woodman-Wickliffe's ambassadorial role for this year's Rugby World Cup.
That tournament runs alongside the NRLW, with matches in August and September in England.
Photo: AP
The NRL have previously allowed players to feature across both codes, including three of Woodman-Wickliffe's sevens teammates winning gold in Paris last year before returning to play in round three of the NRLW.
Back-to-back NRLW premiers in 2022 and 2023, the Knights agreed to release 2023 Dally M Medallist and star fullback Upton in December, before she moved to Brisbane.
Southwell's exit was then confirmed earlier this month when the lock requested a release, while powerful prop Caitlan Johnston-Green has also left the club for Cronulla on a deal signed early last year.
Aside from their interest in Woodman-Wickliffe, Newcastle's biggest signing this summer has been Wests Tigers fullback Botille Vette-Welsh.
Knights officials have also recently met with halfback Jesse Southwell to ensure there are no concerns over her future, following her older sister's exit from the club.
The playmaker's contract with Newcastle runs until the end of 2027, but each of the next two years are by mutual options to be activated by both club and player.
Newcastle are confident the 20-year-old Southwell will remain at the club long-term, keen to regain her NSW State of Origin jersey and earn a Jillaroos Test debut.
Meanwhile, AAP understands Hannah Southwell has now verbally agreed to a deal to join the Dragons.
The former NSW State of Origin lock toured the Saints' Wollongong base earlier this week, and met with the club's new female football manager Sam Bremner.
The 25-year-old's signature will come as a significant coup for the Dragons, who also hope to lock down livewire fullback Tegan Berry soon.
Berry is off contract at the Dragons this year, but the Saints expect to learn shortly if the 22-year-old will take up the offer to extend into 2026 and beyond.
Warriors NRLW coach Ronald Griffiths on the signing of Michaela Blyde
