McKenzie signs for childhood club in latest Wallaroo code swap

Wallaroos fly-half Arabella McKenzie has signed a one-year contract with NRLW outfit St George Illawarra Dragons.

The 26-year-old has won 28 caps for Australia and represented her country at the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

She was omitted from Jo Yapp’s 32-player squad that went to the quarter-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup last year.

The playmaker follows her former international teammate Layne Morgan in swapping 15-a-side rugby for the 13-player code at the start of 2026.

A lifelong Dragons supporter, McKenzie joins a Nathan Cross team aiming to improve upon their 10th place finish in 2025.

“I’ve been a Dragons supporter my whole life, so when Crossy reached out I knew it was right,” McKenzie said.

“There’s no club I’d rather be a part of. I’m excited to challenge myself in a new sport and new environment. I’m looking forward to meeting all the girls and ripping into training.”

McKenzie spent just over a year with Premiership Women’s Rugby outfit Harlequins. She departed the London club in December 2023 and later cited homesickness as a reason for her exit.

A four time Super W winner with the NSW Waratahs, the 26-year-old grew up playing rugby league in Lightning Ridge and has previously spoken of her fondness for the sport.

“Arabella is a really exciting addition for us,” Cross said. “She’s such an accomplished athlete already and I’m really looking forward to being a part of her transition to rugby league.

“She possesses a skillset and variety of physical attributes which I’m really confident will make the process smooth.

“She is one of the most competent kickers of the football I have ever seen in the female game. We are excited for her to meet the rest of the squad and staff and really hit the ground running as she takes on a new challenge.”

McKenzie’s NSW teammate Tatum Bird has signed a one-year contract with NRLW’s Sydney Roosters. Former New Zealand Sevens athlete Grace Kukitai has signed for the Canberra Raiders after two seasons with the Newcastle Knights.