Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blue Nakia Davis-Welsh has had her Mother’s Day presents delivered early.
“I picked up the kids from Day Care on Thursday and I’ve got cards, a necklace and cookies – it’s all so cute,” she told nswrl.com.au.
Davis Welsh, the mother of four-year-old Steven and one-year-old Nevaeh, has returned to elite Rugby League after a five-year absence to start a family.
A former Jillaroo and Sky Blue (2016-2018) and an Indigenous All Star, Davis-Welsh signed with the Sydney Roosters for the inaugural 2018 NRLW season but then found out she was pregnant.
In 2023 she was signed by the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks for the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership, and the Parramatta Eels have given her a one-year contract for this year’s NRLW.
“I always wanted to come back,” said the former winger turned back-rower, whose father is former Balmain five-eighth Paul Davis.
“The team environment is so great.
“I just love the game and for me, footy is such a great outlet. I still have the skills but the fitness and speed I need to get more of that back.
“I didn’t make rep teams after having the kids. But I kept playing, just not at the top level. I did however make the 2020 Indigenous All Stars and I played in last year’s Koori Carnival.”
Sam Bremner and Corban Baxter are two other Sky Blues players who returned to top-shelf Rugby League after becoming mothers.
“This will be my second NRLW contract, but I’ll actually be able to do the pre-season and play this time. Last time I just had too much morning sickness,” she said.
Davis-Welsh said both her children loved watching Rugby League on television and soon would be able to watch Mum strut her stuff in the NRLW.
“Steven yells at the TV already when he sees a good or a bad tackle,” she said. “I’ll have to watch myself.
“But it’s so good women’s games are on television because then I don’t feel so guilty being away from them to play because they can stay home and watch me. I’m so grateful for that.”
