For as long as she plays football, her back is going to be a “problem” but as Emma Rolston returns to New Zealand via Wellington Phoenix, the Football Fern has no plans to “give up football” with the FIFA Women’s World Cup on the horizon.
After almost a decade away from her native New Zealand, Rolston is back on home soil with the Phoenix for the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season.
New Zealand international Rolston, who made her professional debut for Sydney FC in 2017-18, has had a rough run with injuries and is still feeling the effects after she was forced to miss a year of football.
But the 25-year-old is fully focused on looming major tournaments, starting with next year’s Women’s World Cup – co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
“It all stems from my back. I wasn’t able to run, walk, go to the gym or do anything and there wasn’t a load of support around me. When I came back that’s when I started to get injuries,” she said in a statement as the Phoenix announced her signing on Tuesday.
“I think my back is probably going to be a problem for as long as I play football, because it’s nerve damage down my leg.
“I think that’s something we have to learn to manage…but I’m not going to give up football, especially with the World Cup and Olympics coming up.”
Rolston is the third Football Fern to join the Phoenix, following Betsy Hassett and Paige Satchell, as she gets the chance to return home.
“I haven’t lived in Wellington for nine years so playing for the Phoenix women’s team is pretty cool,” said Rolston, who played for Norway’s Avaldnes IL in 2022 having also spent time with MSV Duisburg and Arna-Bjornar previously.
“It’s pretty amazing to have a professional football club in New Zealand. It’s been a long time coming and it’s great to finally have that here to give opportunities for girls coming through.”
She added: “I’m getting into an environment where I’m surrounded by friends and family, and my boyfriend’s moving down so I have good support around me.
“To be playing in my hometown is incredible and to be pushing for World Cup selection this is a great spot for me to be.”