The Wellington Phoenix have moved quickly to re-sign two of the women’s leading attacking threats.
The Phoenix are thrilled to announce English forward Brooke Nunn and American striker Makala Woods have both recommitted to the club for the 2026-27 Ninja A-League season.
Nunn has already matched her four goals and three assists from her championship winning season with Central Coast Mariners in 15 matches for the Nix, while Woods has a remarkable nine goal contributions for the club in just seven appearances since arriving in Wellington at the turn of the year as an injury replacement.
They are the first visa players to re-sign with the Phoenix in the women’s team’s five year history and means the club already has nine women’s players on its books for next season.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman says the club is committed to investing in players who are invested in the team.
“I’m delighted to secure two players with a really high ceiling,” Priestman said. “What we’re seeing from Brooke and Makala now is only just the start, and I think that’s what excites me the most.
“We’ve also secured two big personalities, with massive hunger and desire, that are a big part of the culture of this team.
“Brooke’s unique. She has an ability to get at players one-vs-one. Her dribbling ability is exceptional and in this league that really shines through, not to mention her ability to assist with some great crosses.
“And Makala’s a dynamic forward who has many strings to her bow. She’s not just a forward that can finish, that certainly helps, but she’s quick, she’s powerful and she loves to defend too.
“I’m thrilled they’re both going to be playing for the Phoenix for another season.”
Brooke Nunn, 33, says it was an easy decision for her to sign a new contract as she loves everything about the Nix.
“I didn’t realise I could fall in love with a club, a country and a culture so much,” Nunn said.
“I have so much respect for the people and the land, and that’s such a big thing for me.
“I feel like we’ve been creating so many beautiful, historic moments at the Phoenix and I want to continue contributing to being part of the success of this team and really showing the world what this club’s about.”
The Arsenal academy product believes she’s grown as a person and a player in the team environment.
“I’ve been able to express myself at the Phoenix and Bev has put a lot of trust in me.
“I feel like it’s helped me step into a leadership role which has been great for my personal development.
“I see the potential in all of the players here and it’s great to help push them into believing in themselves, fulfilling their dreams and creating never-ending memories with them.”
Like Nunn, Makala Woods, 23, has developed a close connection to the Phoenix in a short period of time.
“I’ve never felt so passionate about a group of girls and an organisation,” Woods said.
“This club, Bev and everyone have put me in a great place to be successful.
“I’ve been welcomed with open arms, I feel appreciated and I don’t feel I have to be anything other than who I am and what I bring to the table.
“We’re achieving a lot of firsts, we’re paving the way for something really great and it’s an honour to wear the Phoenix on your chest.”
Woods has a sole focus for the remainder of the season.
“I just want to win. Everyone cares about individual statistics and as a forward you want to score goals and create goals, but for me it’s so much bigger than that.
“I genuinely feel so much joy when my teammates are doing well and when the team are doing well. For me that’s the only thing that matters.
“My goal is to give this programme everything I have and to help get us to a place I know we can be.
“I want to do something cool that’s never been done before here. I want to be a part of something that’s so special and that’s all I’m trying to do.”
Makala Woods and Brooke Nunn will be in action for the Wellington Phoenix on Saturday evening when the women play host to Brisbane Roar in the second leg of the Match For Good double-header at Hnry Stadium.
