In women’s rugby league, Phoebe Hooke has gained widespread recognition. Her career has quickly advanced up the ranks since she switched from rugby union to rugby league, and her narrative is one of tenacity, fortitude, and flexibility. Phoebe, who is well-known for her quickness, agility, and ability to score goals, has emerged as one of the most dynamic wingers in the Betfred Women’s Super League with St Helens Women.
This blog delves into Phoebe’s career, including her beginnings in rugby union, her ascent to fame in rugby league, her ambitions to travel the world, and her influence on the larger women’s rugby culture. We’ll also explore Phoebe’s mentoring, mental toughness, and how her training in sports psychology has influenced her style of play.
Early Years: A Rugby Star’s Basis
The Halifax Roots of Phoebe
Halifax, an English town in West Yorkshire with a strong rugby culture, is where Phoebe was born. She started playing for her local team, Old Crossleyans, after being exposed to rugby union at an early age. Phoebe first discovered the importance of discipline, hard effort, and collaboration here—values that would later influence her professional rugby career.
Phoebe’s parents fostered her love of athletics from an early age, and her family was a major source of support throughout her formative years. Phoebe was greatly influenced by her father in particular, who often took her to rugby matches, where she became passionate about the game. She attributes some of her success to the backing of her family.
Rugby League to Rugby Union
When Phoebe first started playing rugby, she was a member of the University of Manchester’s rugby union squad. She demonstrated her vision, speed, and agility while playing as an outside centre at this period. But Phoebe started to feel drawn to rugby league as rugby union started to seem more and more constrictive.
Phoebe had little familiarity with the 13-a-side game, despite having grown up supporting the Huddersfield Giants. In 2023, she made her rugby league debut after being spotted by St Helens Women. Despite the increased difficulties brought up by the move from rugby union to rugby league, Phoebe was adamant about succeeding.
The Switch to Rugby League: A Novel Difficulty Getting Used to a New Code
It wasn’t an easy transition from rugby union to rugby league. Phoebe was used to managing the ball, setting up plays, and making room for teammates in rugby union. She needs to concentrate more on completing offensive movements, collecting high balls, and setting herself up to take advantage of breaks like a rugby league winger.
Catching high kicks, which had never been a part of Phoebe’s rugby union responsibilities, was a challenge. It took her some time to get used to rugby league’s aerial style, which was a new ability she needed to learn. However, Phoebe soon adjusted to the new style of play with the help of her teammates and the coaching staff at St Helens, demonstrating her mental toughness and commitment to learning.
The Career of Phoebe Hooke with St. Helens Women
2023: A Season of Breakout
Phoebe’s rugby league career began in 2023 when she made her Super League debut against the Huddersfield Giants. Phoebe joined in the middle of the season, but she soon established herself in the starting lineup, playing in nine games and scoring seven tries. Her efforts were key to St Helens’ triumph in the Women’s Challenge Cup, when she scored a vital try to assist the team defeat Leeds Rhinos 22–6 in the championship match.
This triumph proved Phoebe’s innate capacity to perform well under duress and was her first significant rugby league prise. She attributes her success in overcoming self-doubt and becoming a vital member of St Helens to her teammates and coaching staff, especially Matty Smith.
2024: Maintaining Her Position as One of the Best
Phoebe’s career had a major change during the 2024 season. She was prepared to devote herself entirely to honing her abilities after spending the 2023 season getting used to rugby league. After completing a complete preseason, Phoebe concentrated on honing her defensive posture and aerial abilities. Her efforts were rewarded, as she went on to score 13 tries in 13 games, establishing herself as one of the competition’s most productive wingers.
Phoebe played a key role in St Helens’ 2024 triumph, which saw the side win the Challenge Cup for the fourth time in a row. She scored a crucial try in their 30–12 triumph against the Leeds Rhinos in the final. St Helens also won the League Leaders’ Shield after winning the Women’s Super League.
2025: Strengthening Her Legacy
As Phoebe’s reputation on the squad grew, she was awarded the coveted #2 jerseys for the 2025 season. She scored 21 tries in 18 games, maintaining her amazing form. Despite being narrowly lost by Wigan Warriors in the Super League Grand Final, Phoebe’s performances were vital to St Helens’ championship challenge. Even though they lost, Phoebe’s performance—especially her ability to score tries—confirmed that she was among the league’s best players.
As she coped with the disappointment of the final defeat and used it to maintain her dominating form in the 2025 season, Phoebe’s mental resilience was evident.
Aspirations for an International Career
Although Phoebe has not yet made her senior England debut, she has previously been included in the England Women’s rugby league train-on teams. Phoebe’s involvement in next England teams is eagerly awaited due to her outstanding try-scoring record and consistency at the top level.
Phoebe is one of the top wingers in international rugby league, and England’s coaches have hailed her potential. Phoebe is anticipated to play a significant role for the national side in future tournaments, such as the Rugby League World Cup and European Championships, as England Women’s rugby league continues to expand.
Accomplishments and Significant Victories
Some significant accomplishments during Phoebe Hooke’s career include:
Women’s Challenge Cup victories (2023, 2024): St Helens won their third and fourth successive Challenge Cup victories thanks in large part to Phoebe’s try-scoring efforts in both finals.
League Leaders’ Shield (2024): Phoebe led St Helens to victory in the Women’s Super League in 2024, which earned them the League Leaders’ Shield.
Top Try-Scorer: Phoebe Life
Outside of rugby, Phoebe is a committed learner who is now enrolled in Manchester Metropolitan University’s Master of Sports Psychology programme. Her academic education has helped her develop mental toughness on the pitch and gives her a distinct viewpoint on the mental side of sport. Phoebe often discusses how sports psychology has assisted her in overcoming obstacles, such as overcoming obstacles or maintaining concentration under pressure.
As a strong supporter of women’s sports, Phoebe uses her position to push for gender equality and inspire other women to play rugby. She attributes younger athletes’ success to role models like Emily Rudge and Jodie Cunningham, and she aspires to do the same for the next generation.
The Wider Effect on Rugby Traditions
In addition to focusing on her own achievements, Phoebe’s journey is also about how she is influencing women’s rugby going forward. Her ascent through the rugby league levels is a sign of the increased attention and funding given to women’s sports. Young girls who want to play rugby look forward to Phoebe because of her work ethic, mental toughness, and support of gender equality.
Phoebe’s impact goes beyond the field as women’s rugby league continues to gain popularity. Phoebe is pleased to be a part of the sport’s progress, and her story shows how far it can go when it has the resources and attention it needs.
Conclusion
Phoebe Hooke’s rugby league career is evidence of her tenacity, flexibility, and love for the game. From playing rugby union to becoming one of the best wingers in the Betfred Women’s Super League, Phoebe has shown that anything is achievable with perseverance and hard work. Her domination in the game is shown by her many accomplishments, which include Challenge Cup victories, League Leaders’ Shield, and top try-scoring records.
The tale of Phoebe is just getting started. Phoebe Hooke’s future in rugby league seems to be very bright as she continues to set records, play for England, and motivate the next generation of athletes.
FAQs
Who is Phoebe Hooke?
Phoebe Hooke is a professional rugby league player for St Helens Women in the Betfred Women’s Super League. She initially played rugby union before transitioning to rugby league, where she quickly became a star winger known for her speed and try-scoring ability.
What position does Phoebe Hooke play?
Phoebe Hooke plays as a winger for St Helens Women. Her role involves finishing attacking plays and using her pace to exploit gaps in the opposition’s defence.
What are Phoebe Hooke’s major achievements?
Phoebe has achieved significant success with St Helens Women, including:
- Winning the Women’s Challenge Cup in 2023 and 2024.
- Securing the League Leaders’ Shield in 2024.
- Scoring 21 tries in 18 appearances in the 2025 season.
How did Phoebe Hooke transition from rugby union to rugby league?
Phoebe started in rugby union, playing as an outside centre for clubs like Old Crossleyans and University of Manchester. She made the switch to rugby league in 2023, joining St Helens Women after being scouted for her athleticism and rugby skills.
Has Phoebe Hooke played for England?
Phoebe has been named in England Women’s rugby league train-on squads but has not yet made her senior debut for the national team. Her performances with St Helens Women have positioned her as a future England international.
What is Phoebe Hooke’s playing style?
Phoebe is known for her speed, agility, and try-scoring ability. She excels at finishing attacking moves and has developed strong high-ball catching skills since transitioning to rugby league. Her defensive skills have also improved over time.
What does Phoebe Hooke do off the field?
Outside of rugby, Phoebe is studying for a Master’s in Sports Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University. She is also an advocate for women’s sports, promoting gender equality and encouraging young girls to pursue athletics.
What are Phoebe Hooke’s future prospects?
Phoebe has a bright future ahead in women’s rugby league. With her try-scoring ability, leadership in St Helens, and potential England debut, she is set to continue making waves in the sport, inspiring the next generation of athletes.
