Cook Islands rugby league international Jayne Kareroa and Samoan international Sharlene Fagalilo will lead a Melbourne Rebels women's side when they kick off their Super W campaign against Western Force women in Perth on Sunday.
Head coach Alana Thomas has named a match-day squad that is chock full of local Victorian talent and features 10 players who got a taste for the big time at the Brisbane Global Tens earlier this year.
A big "in" for the Rebels is the inclusion of experienced hooker and reigning Victorian women’s Player of the year Ashley Masters.
Thomas has named a travelling squad of 24 players for the season opener in Perth with the match-day 23 to be finalised after the Captain’s Run on Saturday.
“We’re all excited that Super W is here, it’s not only a great milestone for women’s rugby in Victoria but a monumental occasion for Australian women’s rugby,” Thomas said.
“We’ve already experienced a great learning curve in the professionalism and standard of women’s rugby during our pre-season so I’m looking forward to seeing the continued positive impact with the kick-off of the Buildcorp Super W.
“After a great pre-season campaign, we can’t wait to get on the road for the opening round and fortify our bond as Rebels Women to start a new era.”
TEAM
Melbourne Rebels Women team to play Western Force Women
1. Sammi Homewood
2. Ashley Masters
3. Janita Kareta
4. Casey Homewood
5. Anna Milne
6. Phoebe Linder-Patton
7. Sharlene Fagalilo
8. Loanna Lelei
9. Georgia Cormick
10. Meretiana Robinson
11. Melenaite Sofele
12. Janye Kareroa (c)
13. Jocelyn Davis
14. Mikaela Welti
15. Jazz Bennedick
Reserves
16. Jacs Teo
17. Nesa Tapuai
18. Paula Ioane
19. Alice Tonumaivao
20. Rachael Pike
21. Tulia Pula
22. Rebekah Jones
23. Tessa Brown
24. Alice Masters
The Western Force women's match against Melbourne Rebels women will be telecast on delay at 9pm on Sunday.
