The Melbourne Rebels have named their inaugural Super W squad, with the competition to kick off next month.
Melbourne held trials for mor than 50 women to narrow down the numbers for their final squad, playing trials against the Brumbies women in recent weeks as well.
Jayne Kareroa will captain the side, an appointment announced earlier this month along with that of Rebels men's captain Adam Coleman.
2014 Wallaroos World Cup player and 2017 Victorian player of the year Ashley Masters is also in the squad, which will go into the competition as underdgos.
Coach Alana Thomas said she expected Super W to be a strong advertisement for women's rugby, which tends towards ball-in-hand styles of play.
"There’s going to be a lot of people watching women’s rugby that are going to be intrigued and appreciate the skills,” Thomas said.
“It’s not like the men, our players don’t have the same tactical kicking strength so they play more running rugby.
“It’s a lot more entertaining brand of rugby to watch.”
SQUAD
Melbourne Rebels Super W squad
Jasmine Bennedick
Tessa Brown
Georgia Cormick
Jocelyn Davis
Sharlene Fagalilo
Casey Homewood
Samantha Homewood
Tauala Hunt
Paula Ioane
Rebekah Jones
Jayne Kareroa (Captain)
Janita Kareta
Anna Knight
Loanna Lelei
Phoebe Linder-Patton
Alice Masters
Ashley Masters
Elle McIntosh
Anna Milne
Rachael Pike
Tulia Pula
Meretiana Robinson
Melenaite Sofele
Merenesa Tapuai
Jacqueline Te'o
Alice Tonumaivao
Tangata Tupou
Maria Va'auli
Rebecca Walker
Mikaela Welti
