The Parramatta Eels are excited to announce the signing of Australian, NSW and Queensland scrum half Layne Morgan, who will join the Club through to the end of the 2027 season.
The 37 Test Cap player and dual Super W champion will join fellow international union representatives Mahalia Murphy and Kennedy Cherrington (Australia) and Martha Mataele (Black Ferns) at the Eels, who have all made a successful transition to rugby league.
Parramatta Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill said the Club was delighted to secure Morgan’s signature, highlighting the impact she is expected to have both on and off the field.
“We’re thrilled that Layne Morgan has decided to join the Parramatta Eels,” Mark O’Neill 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 (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.”
Newly engaged, Morgan said she had her first taste of rugby league in a once off tournament for the nations of origin at 16 years of age and then moved to Rugby Sevens. She is excited to return to Sydney and follow in her family’s footsteps as she returns to her first love of rugby league.
“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.”
Away from the field, Layne Morgan is a qualified high school mathematics teacher and has a strong interest in nutrition and fitness, complementing her high-energy, physical style of play.
Layne Morgan - Career to date:
· 2016: First participation in the National Tournament for both Youth and Senior levels, representing NSW.
· 2017: Competed in the Youth Commonwealth Games (Rugby Sevens) – played with fellow Eel – Kennedy Cherrington.
· 2017: Emerged as champions in the International Invitational Women's Sevens Tournament in Dubai, representing Randwick Magic, defeating Ireland in the Grand Final.
· 2018: Competed in the International Invitational Women's Sevens Tournament in Dubai, representing Tribe.
· 2018: Reached the finals of the World University Games Rugby Sevens.
· 2019: Participated in the International Invitational Women's Sevens Tournament in Amsterdam.
· 2020: Made debut for NSW Waratahs in Super W and became Super W Champions.
· 2020: Selected for the Wallaroos Squad.
· 2021: Secured another Super W Championship title.
· 2022: Finished as runners-up in Super W.
· 2022: Made debut for Wallaroos against Fiji, PAC 4, Laurie O'Reilly Cup.
· 2022: Competed in the Women's Rugby World Cup, securing 6th place.
· 2023: Represented Wallaroos against Fiji, PAC 4, Laurie O'Reilly Cup, WXV.
· 2024: Contracted with the Wallaroos until 2025 and representing Waratahs in Super W.
· 2024: WXV2 Global Tournament Winner – 2024
· 2025: Made debut for Queensland Reds
· 2025: Competed at the World Cup
· 2026: Signed with the Parramatta Eels
The Parramatta Eels NRLW will begin their 2026 season on Sunday, 5 July, hosting the Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 11:50am.
