Queensland Super W coach Moana Virtue has named eight Wallaroos - and an Aussie sevens speedster - in a squad seeking to go one better in 2019.
Virtue has taken charge from departed coach Michael Hayes and named 16 fresh faces to join the 14 returning cohort from the 2018 campaign, which saw Queensland finish runners-up.
Sam Treherne, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Alisha Hewett, Millie Boyle and Cobie-Jane Morgan will all be familiar faces for Australian rugby fans in a squad which otherwise has taken on a new look.
Georgie Friedrichs, who has played for Australia in the sevens arena, has also been named.
"We’ve assembled a strong squad for this year’s Super W season," Virtue said.
"We’re lucky to have a host of returning players, but we have a large cohort who are new to this level of competition and are eager to stake their claim for a spot in the side.
"There are a number of Wallaroos amongst the team which is a positive in terms of experience, but our trials have also unearthed some new talent, who feature in our main squad as well as in the wider group.
"Considering we had over 100 girls register their interest and we started with a training squad of approximately 50 players after the trials, it’s been a challenge in terms of selections to narrow the group to this final squad. But I’m confident we have a side who can build upon what was started last year in the inaugural season.
"The girls have been working hard since December both on the field and in the gym and there is a great vibe around training at the moment as we edge closer to the season."
SQUAD
Queensland Super W squad
Props
Liz Patu – Wests
Maryanne Fuimaono – Sunnybank
Hana Ngaha – Sunnybank
Christina Sekona – Sunnybank
Ana Fotu – University of Queensland
Toa Filimoehala – Brothers
Hookers
Averyl Mitchell – University of Queensland
Ivy Kaleta – Sunnybank
Locks
Saxon Campbell – Redlands
Alisha Hewett – GPS/Australian Defence Force
Vetekina Aho – Sunnybank
Backrowers
Millie Boyle – Bond University
Shannon Mato – Sunnybank
Tessa Vaoga – GPS
Natassja Purontakanen – University of Queensland
Eilidh Sinclair – Sunnnybank
Kiri Lingman – Sunnybank
Halves
Cobie-Jane Morgan – Sunnybank
Asaka Ono – University of Queensland
Ayane Hirata – Sunnybank
Lavinia Gould – Wests
Centres
Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea – SunnybankEseta Fangaloka – Sunnybank
Cecilia Smith – Brothers
Georgie Friedrichs – Wests
Outside Backs
Ivania Wong – Sunnybank
Emily Bass – Wests
Lori Cramer – University of Queensland
Samantha Treherne – Sunnybank
Alana Elisaia – Redlands
