Source: Radio New Zealand
Makala Woods (middle) celebrates her goal with Brooke Nunn (left) and Lucia de Leon. www.photosport.nz
English forward Brooke Nunn and American striker Makala Woods have become the first import players to re-sign with the Wellington Phoenix in the five year history of the women’s team.
The Phoenix women are having their best season so far and currently sit fourth on the A-League ladder.
Now two of the side’s leading attacking threats have both recommitted to the club for the 2026-27 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 Phoenix, while Woods has five assists and four goals for the club in just seven appearances since arriving in Wellington at the turn of the year as an injury replacement.
The club already has nine women’s players on its books for next season.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman said the club was committed to investing in players who were invested in the team and said the pair had a high ceiling.
“What we’re seeing from Brooke and Makala now is only just the start, and I think that’s what excites me the most,” Priestman said.
“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.”
Nunn, 33, said it was an easy decision to sign a new contract.
“I didn’t realise I could fall in love with a club, a country and a culture so much,” Nunn said.
“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 said she had been able to express herself at the Phoenix and Priestman had put a lot of trust in her.
Woods, 23, said she had had 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.
“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’ sole focus for the remainder of the season was to win.
“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.”
Woods and Nunn will be in action for the Wellington Phoenix on Saturday evening when the women host Brisbane Roar in Wellington.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
