Wheeler is recovering from surgery after tearing her ACL during the Perth Nines played in early February. The international backrower knew she was in trouble as soon as she came down awkwardly in a tackle. She underwent surgery on the damaged knee soon after arriving home.

"It's really annoying,'' she said from her Newcastle home.

"I'm an impatient person. I just want it to get better.''

Wheeler, formerly from Old Bar, has risen to the upper echelon of women's rugby league in Australia since playing her first match in 2018. She's represented Australia, NSW and Country and played with St George in the opening two years of the NRLW. She was player of the grand final in Newcastle's win over Canberra Mounties in last season's Harvey Norman NSW Women's Rugby League competition.

However, the injury would have ruled out her 2020. Yet the way things are unfolding with the coronavirus pandemic Wheeler mightn't miss any football at all.

In a cost cutting measure, two of the four sides in the NRLW, the Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors, indicated they won't be playing if the season goes ahead. Wheeler understands no decision has been made on this year's elite competition or in the Harvey Norman State premiership.

"We're just trying to stay positive,'' she said.

Rehab is progressing although she still has a lot of fluid on the knee. With gyms closed she's forced to do much of the work on her own at home.

"It's not perfect and it is limited,'' she admitted.

"But that's what it is at the moment. I'll work with what I've got.''

Wheeler is back working fulltime in real estate and that helps to keep her focused.

But even though she wouldn't be involved this year, Wheeler just wants to see the football start again. NRL. Bush footy. Anything.

"I'm missing it,'' she said.

"Even though I wouldn't be playing this year, I'd still be around the team helping out in some way.''

She's confident of making a full recovery from the knee injury and returning in 2021.

Gaining a place in the Australian Jillaroos team for the World Cup to be played in England at the end of next season will be a goal.

Wheeler turned 30 this year.

"But I only feel 20,'' she quipped.

At this stage she isn't looking any further afield than making a comeback in 2021, but is sure that if she can stay injury free and has no ill-effects from the knee injury, she can play on for a few more seasons yet at the top level.

"I've spoken to (Jillaroos coach) Brad Donald about that,'' she said.

"I don't think age is that big a thing providing you're playing well. Look at Ruan Sims and Kylie Hilder, they were both still playing good football into their late 30s. I guess it's a season-to-season thing, although I'd never stand in the way of a promising young player coming through.''

As for the present, Wheeler will keep working hard in rehab, looking forward to the day when she can return to the field.

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