37-Test Wallaroo Layne Morgan seals NRLW move with Eels

37-Test Wallaroos scrum-half Layne Morgan has sealed an NRLW move with the Parramatta Eels through to the end of the 2027 season, becoming the fourth rugby union international to put pen to paper with the Blue and Gold women’s side.

Morgan represented Australia in eight internationals last season, which included an appearance off the pine against Samoa at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. The 26-year-old provided impact off the bench as the Wallaroos ran away with a record-breaking 73-0 win over Samoa.

Under Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp, Morgan featured in a 43-7 win over Fijiana and all three Pacific Four Series fixtures against some of the world’s best sides. The halfback would later suit up in a Laurie O’Reilly Cup clash with New Zealand and two matches against the Welsh.

Samantha Wood emerged as the Wallaroos’ first-choice scrum-half, but Morgan still played an important role in what was her second Rugby World Cup. Morgan represented the Wallaroos at the postponed 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The Eels confirmed this week that Morgan has sealed a move to the NRLW, returning to rugby league after a memorable stint in union. Morgan joins former Wallaroos Mahalia Murphy and Kennedy Cherrington, and Black Ferns representative Martha Mataele at Parramatta.

“I’m really excited to be returning to rugby league and joining the Parramatta Eels,” Morgan said in a statement.

“My grandmother Helen Davies was part of one of the first games of women’s rugby league played back in 1972 in Newcastle between the West Rosettes and the Leichhardt Wildcats. I can’t wait to get stuck in at the Club’s first-class facilities and test myself in the NRLW. It’s a great challenge and one I’m really looking forward to.”

Morgan played alongside Cherrington at the 2017 Youth Commonwealth Games in rugby sevens before playing at International Invitational Women’s Sevens events from 2017 to 2019, twice in Dubai and once in Amsterdam.

The No. 9 debuted for the NSW Waratahs in 2020, helping them take out the Super W title that season, before earning selection in the Wallaroos squad later that year. Morgan helped the Tahs go back-to-back as Super W champions the following season.

Morgan debuted for the Wallaroos in 2020, helped the national team win their first major trophy in team history at WXV 2 in 2024, and made the move to the Queensland Reds ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Women’s campaign.

“We’re thrilled that Layne Morgan has decided to join the Parramatta Eels,” Parramatta Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill added.

“Her professionalism and international experience at Rugby World Cup and Sevens level will be a positive addition to our NRLW program.

“Layne is a proven competitor with 37 consecutive Test caps (the first for a Wallaroo) and is renowned for her sharp service and strong defensive work. Layne understands what it takes to perform at the highest level, and we’re confident she’ll be a terrific addition to our squad.”