Former Young Matildas captain and Newcastle NRLW winger Sheridan Gallagher has made a surprise return to soccer with the Newcastle Jets.
Gallagher was a gifted footballer, captaining the Young Matildas at the 2022 U20 World Cup in Costa Rica, before walking away from the sport to join the Knights for their 2023 premiership season.
The Jets announced on Friday that Gallagher, 22, had signed for the upcoming A-League Women (ALW) season.
Gallagher's Jets deal puts her in line for a first ALW outing since 2023, when she made the last of her 21 appearances for the Western Sydney Wanderers.
She is poised to line up against her former club in the Jets' season opener at Cessnock Sportsground on November 3.
The move will not affect Gallagher's ability to line up for the Knights in the final year of her NRLW contract, with the club understood to be in favour of the move as it will help keep her fitness up.
Powerful winger Gallagher has scored 16 tries across 19 games for the Knights.
That included nine tries in eight appearances in 2024, when she also scored multiple tries on three occasions.
Gallagher is relishing the prospect of returning to her first sport in the same town where she has become an NRLW star.
"I love Newcastle and I feel at home here as an adopted Novocastrian," Gallagher said.
"The first game can't come quick enough for me.
"I will give it my all and can't wait to represent the Newcastle community when I put on the Jets shirt."
Securing an attacking player of Gallagher's calibre is a massive win for the Jets, who hope Gallagher can help fill the goalscoring void left by star striker Melina Ayres' indefinite leave of absence and Philippines star Sarina Bolden's transfer to Italian club Como.
"Sheridan adds depth to our attacking stocks," Jets coach Ryan Campbell said.
"She will add speed and strength up front and I'm excited to see what type of impact she will have for us.
"Her previous experience with the Wanderers and Young Matildas will serve her well and I know she will be a hit with our fan base."
