Wallaroos scrumhalf Layne Morgan is looking to inspire a new generation of athletes as Test Rugby returns to Newcastle, just like she was years ago.
Morgan is one of several Hunter-born and bred talent in the Wallaroos who will be desperate to feature in the opening home game of 2025 against New Zealand on May 10.
Watch every game of Super Rugby Women's live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
It’ll be the first time they play in Newcastle since 2019 and the first game at McDonald Jones Stadium, which will also host the Wallabies against Fiji on July 6.
On that day, Morgan was in the stands as the Wallaroos thumped Japan 34-5, with their move from Sportsground 2 a sign of their rapid growth.
“It was an awesome experience to see that the Wallaroos had been in Newcastle,” Morgan told reporters. "I was quite jealous and envious because I was with Sevens at the time (in 2019) and it definitely was something that drew me towards the game.
“To see that we've been upgraded up to McDonald Jones Stadium into this type of facility is just awesome to see what's coming for the women's game.
“We've got Maya Stewart as well as Leilani Nathan to go with a lot of Newcastle girls that are in Super Rugby programs which is really exciting to see. Hopefully, they can build into the program pathways as well and the more Newcastle girls we get out there, the better for the Hunter region.”
Morgan is preparing for a fresh start in 2025, linking up with the Queensland Reds for Super Rugby Women’s at the end of the month.
“It is hard not to be in blue, I will admit that. Maroon is a tough colour,” she joked.
“I'm excited to have the experience up in Queensland and be able to challenge my rugby skills with the team up there. Especially kind of stepping up as a player, I think that was something that I wanted to do in my own career.
“Unfortunately it means trading states for a little bit but hopefully come back in some blue colour in some way.”
Her move to Queensland comes as the scumhalf seeks to cement her spot in the Wallaroos’ squad for the World Cup.
Morgan finished as the incumbent but faces serious challenges from the likes of Reds teammate Natalie Wright and Western Fore star Samantha Wood amongst others.
“We've got these seven Test matches coming up on the way to the World Cup and it's going to be so important to get these combos right,” she added.
“World Cup is always big with where you are sitting on the ladder globally. So it's going to be a real test to us and help develop our team and put us on the right pathway towards the World Cup.
“There's going to be those ups and downs and rollercoaster rides just to perfect it all for that World Cup moment. So I'm excited to get on the journey and play with the girls here.
