The Country, NSW and Australian representative finds herself in rehabilatation mode during the forced COVID-19 break but doesn't want to let the recent ACL setback and any missed opportunities prevent a debut at the international rugby league tournament.

Wheeler, who turned 30 in January and helped CRL Newcastle claim the NSW Women's Premiership last year, wants to be wearing the green and gold jersey in England in November next year having broke into the national team 12 months after the Jillaroos claimed the title on home soil in 2017.

It means that a return to play NRLW, if that competition goes ahead later this year, won't be rushed by the St George Illawarra Dragons lock.

"I'd love to be playing NRLW again this year, but at the same time I'm a bit older now and I have my eyes firmly on giving myself every opportunity to make the World Cup squad next year," Wheeler told the Newcastle Herald.

"If that means holding off until I'm 110 percent and giving myself a full 12 months to recover, I'll be greedy and do that."

Wheeler, who suffered the injury while playing NRL Nines in Perth in February before undergoing an operation the next month, admits that coming back early would be more tempting if games were currently being played but the health crisis continues to put a hold on most sporting activity across the globe.

She hopes the third edition of NRLW launches at some stage in 2020 after much hard work establishing a women's competition and despite recent drama trying to restart the men's code.

"Hopefully NRLW will be on at the end of the year," Wheeler said.

"It feels like the NRL are doing everything they can to get us a game.

"The women's game has grown so much and has support from, not just young girls, but young boys and families. It's only gone from strength to strength and you don't want that to stop."

Recovery has taken on a different complexion as well with gyms shut and training sessions cancelled, so Wheeler has been flying solo doing exercises at home and riding her bike outside.

"Slowly but surely," she said.

"I'm never going to take for granted ever again: going to a football game; watching it on TV; playing in a competition. Everyone has been tested in their own way and for me, I've been completely out of my comfort zone.

"I can't wait to get back. I miss not playing, not training and being around the group."

Wheeler, originally from Old Bar, relocated from Wallsend to Sydney's northern beaches during the off-season.

It came after 2019 champions CRL Newcastle failed to reform.

Wheeler joined the North Sydney Bears while others from the Hunter squad linked with the Central Coast Roosters.

In the one and only round that went ahead on March 14, the Bears were beaten 26-0 by Mounties while the Roosters lost 16-10 to the Sharks.

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