NRLW Players: Claudia Nielsen

As she prepares to make her NRLW debut against the Dragons at Leichhardt Oval, we chat to 27-year-old Claudia Nielsen, who joined the club this season from the Australian Rugby Sevens setup.

Nielsen has proven to be an impressive performer for the Wests Tigers NSW Women’s Premiership side in 2024, with relentless effort and determination a feature of her game.

She is also a keen academic, currently completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney and was ranked the No.1 student in the state for Primary Industries in completing her HSC.

Growing up, pursuing a career in rugby league was never in the pipeline for the winger, who grew up in Tamworth. 

“I was a hockey player at the end of school and then I played high-level hockey til I was 21,” Nielsen explained. 

“I was with the Australian indoor team, living in Perth and playing there in the hockey comp which had all the AIS players.

“That was my main sport and then I played rugby union with the Western Force for two years while I was in Perth, which was my first taste of contact sport. 

“I then found Rugby Sevens and played that for the best part of four years for the Waratahs Sevens and the Australia A Sevens [feeder team to main squad].”

Nielsen also discussed the adjustments she has had to make in making the transition from Sevens to league.

Like most of the sports I’ve played, I build around having a big engine, being fit and fast.

Claudia Nielsen

“I used to think playing in the outside backs would be quite simple, catching high balls and whatever else but just how much they have to know the game is insane.

“Counting numbers, communication in defence; I’d like to learn what fullbacks do eventually but I’m probably seeing myself sticking on the edges as I’m continuing to learn the game.”

Since moving to Sydney temporarily for the NRLW season, she has moved in with a few of her NRLW teammates, including Co-Captain Kezie Apps and Jess Kennedy, making the transition much easier. 

“We all have a common interest and we're all playing footy together, it's like bunking with best friends.

“Kezie's great, she's obviously our captain, so it's been cool to see how she goes about life outside of training as well.

“Her recovery is insane, nutrition is great, so it gives me an insight into what the best do.”