The Wellington Phoenix have further strengthened the women’s squad ahead of the new Ninja A-League season.
The Phoenix have signed experienced English forward Brooke Nunn as the team’s fifth and final visa player for the 2025-26 campaign.
Nunn, who came through the Arsenal academy and played for the Gunners as a teenager, was an integral member of the Central Coast Mariners’ championship winning side last season, featuring in all 27 of their matches on their way to beating Melbourne Victory in the grand final.
She scored four goals, including a brace in the first leg of the semi-final against premiers Melbourne City, and also had three assists, one of which was for the only goal in a 1-0 win over the Phoenix in January.
Wellington Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman is thrilled to have been able to secure Nunn’s signature.
“Brooke is another great addition to our squad,” Priestman said.
“As well as being part of a championship-winning A-League side last season, Brooke has a lot of personality that she can bring to a game and the team.
“She has a big engine, great pace and is really brave going forward, all attributes that will make her an asset and a versatile player for us.”
Brooke Nunn arrived in Wellington on Wednesday and met her new teammates for the first time yesterday.
“I believe the Phoenix offers me the right environment to continue developing as a player and a person,” Nunn said.
“The coaching staff, squad and competitive level align with where I see myself progressing in my career.
“I love the club’s ambition and vision, and I want to be part of building something great.
“The Phoenix also have a great community and fan base behind them and that’s something that’s special to me.
“And I enjoy playing for women coaches. It’s empowering, and I know Bev has great experience so I believe she can bring out the best in me.”
After eight years at Arsenal, she played for London Bees and London City Lionesses in the English Championship, Altay in Turkey and Scottish clubs Hibernian and Motherwell before signing with the Mariners.
Nunn is looking forward to a second season in the A-League after “an amazing experience” with Central Coast.
“Once I got a taste of the A-League I really felt at home. The league is exciting and competitive with unpredictable outcomes and last minute goals which makes every game interesting.
“I learnt so much about the league; the different styles of play and different culture. It was a great opportunity for me to grow.
“It’s a lot different to other countries but I think that I adapted really well and came out as a winner.
“The A-League really suits both my style of play and my mentality. It’s a very transitional league where games can open up quickly, and that plays to some of my strengths.
“I thrive in pressure situations where I can use my speed and physicality to make an impact.”
She hopes to have more success in Wellington.
“I have a winning mentality, and I just want to win.
“I’m very competitive and driven so to take home another trophy will be beautiful.
“And I think I can bring a lot of experience, leadership, good work ethic, mental toughness, passion, flair and creativity to the Phoenix.”
Brooke Nunn will wear the no. 23 shirt for the Wellington Phoenix and is the 24th player confirmed in the women’s squad for the 2025-26 Ninja A-League, which starts next week.
The Phoenix have a bye in round one and open their season at Sky Stadium against Canberra United on Saturday, November 8.
