Maddison Levi, an Olympic rugby sevens star, has expressed interest in pursuing a switch to the NRLW, despite her current focus on representing Australia in this year’s Rugby World Cup. The 22-year-old made headlines in Paris last year, securing the highest individual honour in rugby sevens and marking her rise within the Australian team alongside her sister, Teagan.
Both sisters have shown enthusiasm for competing in Australia’s premier rugby league competition; however, Rugby Australia previously denied their requests to transition to the NRLW. In a recent interview with Wide World of Sports, Levi acknowledged the official resistance to their move but remained hopeful for future opportunities, stating, “It’s definitely something I want to revisit in the future.”
Levi highlighted the unique nature of women’s sports, allowing athletes to engage in various forms of football. Although currently focused on the World Cup, she noted that Rugby Australia offered her a chance to play 15s, a prospect she could not overlook. She emphasised the necessity of maximizing her earnings as a female athlete, given the disparity in pay compared to male counterparts. “The only way we’re gonna get better is the more we play,” she mentioned, underlining her commitment to continuous development, even if it means exploring other codes.
With a background in both rugby and AFLW, Levi admires previous players who successfully transitioned from sevens to the NRLW, such as Stacey Wakka, who had an impressive debut season. She believes her skills could translate effectively into rugby league, drawing confidence from the accomplishments of fellow athletes.
Levi cited the impactful performances of former sevens stars like Emma Tonegato and Yasmin Clydesdale in the NRLW, referencing their success as motivational. “To see them playing and having such a big impact on NRLW is exciting,” she remarked, expressing hope that she and her sister can similarly contribute to the growth of the sport.
This season, Levi will play for the Queensland Reds in women’s Super Rugby, while setting her sights on representing the Wallaroos in the upcoming World Cup in August.