Newcastle halfback Layne Morgan has revealed that her surprising code switch from rugby union to rugby league is deeply inspired by the memory of her late brother, Sam. The move, announced last Friday, comes just five weeks after Sam's tragic and sudden passing at the age of 29 due to a rare and aggressive form of pneumonia that progressed to sepsis.
A Heartfelt Tribute Through Sport
Morgan, who has signed a two-year deal with the Parramatta Eels for the 2026 and 2027 NRLW seasons, believes her brother would be ecstatic about her transition. "When it was all happening, I just wanted to pick up the phone and call him and tell him," Layne shared with the Newcastle Herald this week. "He's one of my biggest supporters and always had two cents to give me after every game."
Growing up in a family of passionate rugby league supporters, Morgan watched her brother Sam play the sport before he later took up rugby union. "I know he would definitely have a lot to want to teach me, going over to rugby league because that's his game," she reflected. "It's definitely hard knowing that he's not going to be around for it, but he'll definitely be watching over and I know he'll be in my heart when I play."
From Union Champion to League Aspirant
The 26-year-old Morgan brings impressive credentials to her new code. A dual Super W champion with 37 Test caps for the Wallaroos, she represented Australia at her second Rugby World Cup in England last September. Despite her union success, rugby league has always held a special place in her heart.
"Planning 2026 and onwards, we were looking back at what I really wanted to do, and as a kid I was surrounded by rugby league," Morgan explained. "My brother played. My dad coached and it was always the game that I wanted to play, but there wasn't really an opportunity for me."
Her only previous rugby league experience came as a 16-year-old participating in a one-off Nations of Origin tournament in Dubbo. The Olympic boom in rugby sevens in 2016 initially diverted her path, but now she's returning to her roots.
Family Legacy in Women's Rugby League
Morgan's transition carries additional family significance. Her maternal grandmother, Helen Davies, featured in one of the first games of women's rugby league, playing for the West Rosettes against the Leichhardt Wildcats in Newcastle back in 1972. "She was one of the first females to play rugby league in Australia, which was pretty cool," Morgan noted with pride.
The family's football allegiances add another layer to her Parramatta signing. "My mum's side are all Rabbitohs fans and my dad's side, other than him, were all mad Eels fans, so it's quite funny that I've ended up at Eels," she revealed. "My grandma is stoked. She always says that my great grandparents would be the proudest people on earth right now."
Joining a Growing Women's Competition
Morgan joins a growing trend of rugby internationals transitioning to the NRLW, which has expanded rapidly from four teams in 2018 to twelve currently, with plans for all NRL clubs to eventually field women's teams. "That was a big attraction, coming to league," Morgan acknowledged. "They're a growing game where they're looking at expanding and building the game to be bigger and better every year, which is something really exciting in the women's game."
The electric scrumhalf, known for her sharp service and strong defensive work, will join the Eels in Sydney for pre-season training in May. Currently based on the Gold Coast with fiancé Brandon Doran, Morgan grew up in Macquarie Hills and recognizes the challenge ahead.
Preparation and Position Prospects
Between now and her Eels debut, Morgan plans extensive preparation to ensure a smooth transition between codes. "It's just really knuckling down and getting my body to be at its best," she stated. "It's just taking this time until May to have that luxury of learning new skills, getting stronger, getting faster and getting fitter without the impact of the game."
While the potential of a halves combination with established Eels No.7 Rachael Pearson presents exciting possibilities, Morgan remains focused on fundamentals. "I'm just focused on getting my debut and making sure I can be my best self for the team," she emphasized. "It's definitely going to be a big challenge, taking on rugby league, but nothing that I'm not willing to put my hand up for."
The NRLW season commences on July 2 with Newcastle Knights away to Cronulla, while the Parramatta Eels host Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium in their season-opener on July 5. For Layne Morgan, each game will carry the memory of her brother and the fulfillment of a childhood dream finally realized.
