As we head into Sunday’s Buildcorp Super W semi-finals Wallaroos head coach Jay Tregonning has made it clear that the “Positions Vacant” sign is still up for Australian jerseys and there is time left for players to lodge their resumes.
The NSW, Queensland and Brumbies players on show at Concord Oval know they can still push their claims for promotion to the national side with strong performances in the play-off games.
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“We’ve got one week in camp before we play the Test match against Fiji (on May 20 at Allianz Stadium), we want players that are firing and performing well within Super W so we can hit the ground running,” said Tregonning.
“There is definitely a high emphasis on performance in Super W for selection. The opportunity of playing under a bit more pressure of finals footy and seeing the players who stand up in this environment, is really important for selection as well.”
Tregonning can certainly see some newcomers forcing their way into the squad - but was tight-lipped about the players in the mix for a call-up.
“We have a selection meeting every week and go through performances,” he said.
“Off that we have made some additions to our managed squad with players we are rewarding for their performances in Super W.”
That squad is now up to 46 players, evidence that effort equals reward.
The Wallaroos’ off-field brains trust has been further boosted with the former Waratahs’ coach Chris Hickey coming on board, sharing his expertise as a selector and coaches’ advisor.
“Obviously his ability to identify players and look at areas they excel at, and areas they need to improve on too, has been great,” Tregonning said.
The 30-player Wallaroos’ squad will be announced a day or two after the Super W final being played on May 6 in Townsville in a big double-header with the Super Rugby clash between the Reds and the Waratahs.
Following the Fiji Test the Wallaroos will then take part in the big Pacific Four tournament with New Zealand, the United States and Canada.
The NSW Waratahs women’s team heads into their finals game against Fijiana Drua undefeated, having won their five previous competition games.
“Their speed of play has been outstanding,” Tregonning observed.
Prop Bridie O’Gorman, hooker Adiana Talakai and No.7 Fi Jones have been consistent performers in the pack.
In the backline, halfback Layne Morgan has made an impact and the experienced Katrina Barker has done a good job in the role of organiser.
Tregonning has also been impressed by the exciting 16-year-old fullback Caitlyn Halse, who is one of the best talents to emerge in Australian Rugby for a long time.
“She is one of the players we have added to our managed group,” he said. “She has exceptional ability for a young player.”
As for the Waratahs’ unpredictable opposition this week, Tregonning said: “It is Fijian footy, you don’t know what they are going to throw at you sometimes. They try their luck and sometimes it works … they are dangerous when they get an opportunity for sure.”
Centre Cecilia Smith, the tournament’s leading point scorer so far, is a real allrounder who will be a key player for Queensland in their all-Aussie showdown with the Brumbies.
“She has been outstanding in regard to her carries, her defensive work, her ability to get offloads and her goal kicking has been really good this year as well,” Tregonning said.
“(Wallaroos back-rower) Shannon Parry has been a real workhorse and is leading the side well.”
Tregonning said Annabelle Codey, who is back from a stint in England, has been leading the Queensland lineout, carrying the ball well and working hard around the field.
He said the Brumbies skipper and Wallaroos outside centre Siokapesi Palu has had a strong tournament as has hooker Tania Naden.
Their 18-year-old flyhalf Faitala Moleka is another rising star who has also earned a call-up to the Wallaroos’ managed group.
“It is going to be a tight game,” Tregonning predicted.
In positive signs for women’s rugby in Australia, Tregonning has been encouraged by the standard of play he has witnessed in this year’s tournament.
“I think it has definitely been a step up from last year,” the coach said.
“The Wallaroos we had away in the World Cup have come back in very good condition and have contributed well to their teams.
“And the states are putting a lot more emphasis into the women’s game which is great to see.”
Significantly, he said the physical condition of the players was better across the board this year.
“The speed of play and the skillset is improving for sure,” Tregonning said.
“We are seeing a bit more of tactical kicking within the game as well and the physicality in defence has been outstanding for a lot of the teams.”
