The Kiwi Ferns are looking to make an impact in their upcoming Pacific Championships campaign, and head coach Ricky Henry has stacked his side accordingly.
The 30th rendition of the Kiwi Ferns is a formidable lineup, featuring a healthy balance of continuity and fresh blood. All 21 players have had superlative NRLW seasons, which have set them up strongly to contest and go one better for this campaign.
Bolstering the side is the talented Raecene McGregor, who returns after a sabbatical in 2024. She is joined by fellow veterans Georgia Hale and Apii Nicholls, with the experienced trio boasting an impressive combined 20 campaigns in the black jersey.
“Those three [Hale, McGregor, and Nicholls] are cornerstones for our team. Their experience is second to none and invaluable at Test level,” said Henry.
The Cowboys NRLW mentor is also looking forward to seeing the five rookies take their opportunity.
“It’s a nod to who we see representing us at next year’s World Cup. We’re always looking ahead to that target, but performing well in the Pacific Championship is key for us. It will be a true test to see where we are at, and we can’t wait to see what this group does on the field.”
Four of the new faces hail from the recently revived Warriors NRLW team: centre Tysha Ikenasio, prop Ivana Lauitiiti, five-eighth Patricia Maliepo, and Shakira Baker, who will vie for a start in the second row with fellow newcomer, Bulldogs Shaniece Monschau.
The Kiwi Ferns will kick off their campaign against Fetu Samoa at Go Media Stadium on 19 October, before a rematch of last year’s final against Australia at Eden Park to earn their place for the decider in Sydney.
Kiwi Ferns squad (alphabetical)
Abigail Roache (Cowboys)
Alexis Tauaneai (Bulldogs)
Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa (Bulldogs)
Annessa Biddle (Sharks)
Apii Nicholls (Warriors)
Ashleigh Quinlan (Bulldogs)
Brianna Clark (Broncos)
Brooke Anderson (Sharks)
Georgia Hale (Titans, co-captain)
Ivana Lauitiiti* (Warriors)
Leianne Tufuga (Raiders)
Mele Hufanga (Broncos)
Otesa Pule (Roosters)
Patricia Maliepo* (Warriors)
Raecene McGregor (Dragons, co-captain)
Shakira Baker* (Warriors)
Shaniece Monschau* (Bulldogs)
Shanice Parker (Knights)
Tiana Davison (Knights)
Tyla King (Sharks)
Tysha Ikenasio* (Warriors)
* Denotes debutante
Wider Squad:
- Jasmin Strange (Sydney Roosters)
- Mackenzie Wiki (Canberra Raiders)
- Matekino Gray (New Zealand Warriors)
- Moana Courtenay (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
- Payton Takimoana (New Zealand Warriors)
- Tenika Willison (Newcastle Knights)
- Trinity Tauaneai (St. George Illawarra Dragons)
- Martha Mataele (Parramatta Eels)
Unavailable for selection:
- Brooke Talataina (Wests Tigers) - Injured
- Gayle Broughton (Brisbane Broncos) - Personal
- Amber Hall (Sydney Roosters) - Samoa
- Jasmine Solia (Gold Coast Titans) - Injured
