Wallaroos' Morgan makes code switch to follow in grandmother's footsteps

Wallaroos scrum-half Layne Morgan has switched codes to sign with NRLW side the Parramatta Eels.

The 26-year-old has signed a contact with the Western Sydney club until the conclusion of the 2027 season.

A double Super W winner, Morgan has won 37 caps for Australia in rugby union and joins fellow code hoppers Mahalia Murphy, Kennedy Cherrington (both Australia) and Martha Mataele (Black Ferns) at the Eels.

At the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Morgan appeared only once in a 28 minute cameo against Samoa as Samantha Wood stamped her authority on the starting scrum-half jersey in England.

While Morgan’s sole rugby league tournament came a decade ago, there is a more heartfelt reason for her transition to the 13-player game as she looks to emulate her history-making grandmother.

“I’m really excited to be returning to rugby league and joining the Parramatta Eels,” Morgan said. “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’s departure from the 15-a-side game will come as a blow to an Australia side in the midst of a rebuild after their quarter-final exit at last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup and the departure of Jo Yapp as head coach.

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

“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 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.”