Portia Woodman-Wickliffe’s NRLW switch halted by World Cup ambassador role

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe in action for the Black Ferns Sevens. Photo / Photosport

Black Ferns great Portia Woodman-Wickliffe’s quest to play for the Newcastle Knights in the upcoming NRLW season is over because of a conflict of interest.

The 33-year-old – who exclusively revealed to the NZ Herald last year of her desire to play in the NRLW - had agreed to terms with the Knights last year to make the switch, but the NRL - which runs the women’s competition - refused to register the contract because of her ambassador role at the upcoming women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

The 33-year-old would have missed the backend of the season due to an ambassador role at the World Cup - which would have required Woodman-Wickliffe to head to England - and while there was no specific rule prohibiting a player from promoting a rival code, there were concerns about setting a precedent.

Woodman-Wickliffe’s team confirmed they were willing to make concessions, including forgoing the physical appearance, but the NRL’s hard stance made the move unattainable.

The NRLW season kicks off on July 3 with the grand final set to take place on October 5, while the women’s Rugby World Cup starts on August 22, ending September 27.

The Black Ferns have won the past two Rugby World Cups.

It would have been Woodman-Wickliffe’s first venture in the NRLW, having forged a successful career in international rugby.

Woodman-Wickliffe is a two-time Olympic gold medallist in sevens and two-time Rugby World Cup winner, having played 24 tests for the Black Ferns.

She retired from international rugby last year and first went to Japan to play for the Mie Pearls before returning to New Zealand where she’s currently playing for the Blues in Super Rugby Aupiki.

Woodman-Wickliffe wouldn’t have been the first Black Fern to try her hand at NRLW, with Tyla King, Stacey Waaka and Tenika Willison among the former players who took part last season.

The upcoming NRLW season welcomes the return of the women’s Warriors for the first time since 2019.

Their team is highlighted by the signing of Black Ferns Sevens star Michaela Brake (née Blyde).