The Dragons are pleased to announce that former Wallaroos star Arabella McKenzie has agreed to a one-year deal with the club.
The 26-year-old comes to the Dragons having represented Australia in rugby union on 28 occasions across a number of backline positions including at the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
McKenzie grew up in Lightning Ridge – a small outback town in the state’s north – and went to school in Mittagong before filtering into the Wallaroos’ youth program.
“I’ve been a Dragons supporter my whole life, so when Crossy reached out I knew it was right. There’s no club I’d rather be a part of.”
Her international debut came against Japan in 2019 before she helped the Waratahs to a Super Rugby Women’s title in 2024.
McKenzie is excited to begin her NRLW journey under Head Coach Nathan Cross with the club she grew up supporting.
“I’ve been a Dragons supporter my whole life, so when Crossy reached out I knew it was right,” McKenzie said.
“There’s no club I’d rather be a part of. I’m excited to challenge myself in a new sport and new environment. I’m looking forward to meeting all the girls and ripping into training.”
Cross shared McKenzie’s excitement and is confident that the transition to the NRLW will be a seamless one for the international standout.
“Arabella is a really exciting addition for us. She’s such an accomplished athlete already and I’m really looking forward to being a part of her transition to rugby league. She possesses a skillset and variety of physical attributes which I’m really confident will make the process smooth,” Cross said.
“She is one of the most competent kickers of the football I have ever seen in the female game. We are excited for her to meet the rest of the squad and staff and really hit the ground running as she takes on a new challenge.”
