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With the NRL postponing sanctioning the possible entry of New Zealand rugby player Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Newcastle’s attempt to rebuild their women’s roster following a summer of high-profile departures faces a hurdle.

The Knights have named Woodman-Wickliffe as a possible big-name acquisition following Tamika Upton’s departure for Brisbane and with recently released captain Hannah Southwell scheduled to join St George Illawarra. After 24 Tests for her nation, two World Cup titles, two World Cup sevens championship and two Olympic gold medals, the former Black Ferns winger and New Zealand sevens champion resigned from rugby last year.

The 33-year-old at the time stated a wish to play in the NRLW; Newcastle and Woodman-Wickliffe are thought to be eager to make the move work. Given her standing in rugby union in New Zealand and her capacity to be a strong try-scorer, her entrance would be a huge benefit for the Knights. However, AAP has been informed the NRL has not yet approved the relocation due of issues around Woodman-Wickliffe’s ambassadorial role for the Rugby World Cup this year.

That event coexists with the NRLW, featuring English matches in August and September. Three of Woodman-Wickliffe’s sevens colleagues won gold in Paris last year before returning to play in round three of the NRLW, and the NRL has previously let players feature across both codes.

The Knights decided to release 2023 Dally M Medallist and star fullback Upton in December, before she relocated to Brisbane, after back-to-back premiers in 2022 and 2023. Later this month, Southwell’s departure was confirmed when the lock asked for a release; powerful prop Caitlan Johnston-Green also left the team for Cronulla on a contract negotiated early last year.

Apart from their enthusiasm for Woodman-Wickliffe, Newcastle’s most notable acquisition this summer has been Wests Tigers fullback Botille Vette-Welsh. Following the departure of her older sister from the club, knights’ authorities have also lately spoken with halfback Jesse Southwell to guarantee there are no issues about her future.

Although the contract of the playmaker with Newcastle runs until the end of 2027, each of the next two years is by mutual options to be triggered by both club and player. Driven to reclaim her NSW State of Origin shirt and make a Jillaroes Test debut, the 20-year-old Southwell is sure she will stay long-term with the club. AAP is aware, meantime, that Hannah Southwell just verbally accepted a contract to join the Dragons.

Earlier this week, a former NSW State of Origin lock visited the Saints’ Wollongong base and talked with Sam Bremner, the new female football manager of the team. With the Dragons also hoping to lock onto livewire fullback Tegan Berry shortly, the 25-year-old’s signature will be a major coup for them. Berry is off contract with the Dragons this year, but the Saints hope to find out soon whether the 22-year-old would accept the offer to stretch into 2026 and beyond.