The Wallaroos will be calling on a combination of exciting new talent and experienced heads for their Trans-Tasman rematch with the Black Ferns, with coach Jo Yapp making six changes to the side that defeated Fiji in Suva.
Hooker Katalina Amosa will retain her starting position, however her front row is set for a big change, with fellow debutant Martha Fua being promoted to the starting side, alongside explosive tight-head Eva Karpani.
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The Wallaroos coach has opted for older heads in the rest of the forward pack, with Wildfire alumni Kaitlan Leaney and veteran Emily Chancellor coming into second row and loose forwards respectively, bringing nearly 50 caps of valuable experience with them.
Tiarah Minns and Ashley Marsters will drop to the bench as a result, with Siokapesi Palu retaining the captaincy.
However, the biggest changes come in the backline, with Sevens star Tia Hinds set to come into the flyhalf position to partner Newcastle local Layne Morgan - and she won't be the only Sevens star in the side.
Charlotte Caslick will start for the first time after coming off the bench last week in Fiji, with Faitala Moleka shifting to fullback after Caitlyn Halse picked up a hamstring injury against Fiji.
Lastly, the unfortunate loss of Bienne Terita - also to a hamstring injury - will see Georgina Friedrichs back to the centres after recovering from a finger injury.
This match will see her earn her 30th cap, back alongside her long-time running mate Cecilia Smith.
Bridie O’Gorman will come onto the bench to bring some much-needed experience in the front row, with Lydia Kavoa, Natalie Wright and Lori Cramer also set to make their first starts in Wallaroo gold for 2025 off the bench.
“It’s been a busy week but we are pleased with how the players have handled the travel from Fiji to Newcastle and we’re looking forward to playing on home soil for the first time," said Yapp.
“We’re excited to have Georgina Friedrichs back from injury and along with Kaitlan Leaney and Bridie O’Gorman returning their experience will help after losing Maya Stewart, Bienne Terita and Caitlyn Halse through injury.
“Due to our injuries this has opened the door to look at other combinations as we look to grow and develop leading into the World Cup. “We know New Zealand will be a step up and we’ll need to be at our best on Saturday.”
In addition to the team news, the Wallaroos have also added to their wider squad for the Pacific Four Series, with Adiana Talakai, Annabelle Codey, Arabella McKenzie, Biola Dawa, Caitlin Urwin and Waiaria Ellis all included.
1.Martha Fua (#223 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 1 cap
2. Katalina Amosa (#218 - Southern Districts) – 1 cap
3. Eva Karpani (#171 - Southern Suburbs) – 32 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 - CSU Marlins) – 25 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (#168 - Tuggeranong Vikings) – 33 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu (c) (#194 - Rockdale Rangers) – 17 caps
7. Emily Chancellor (#158 - Sydney University) – 24 caps
8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 - Orange Emus) – 12 caps
9. Layne Morgan (#188 - Merewether Carlton) – 30 caps
10. Tia Hinds (#222 - Randwick) – 1 cap
11. Desiree Miller (#204 - Eastern Suburbs) – 13 caps
12. Cecilia Smith (#190 - Leeton Dianas) – 20 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 - Wests Bulldogs) – 29 caps
14. Charlotte Caslick (#220 - Wests Bulldogs) – 1 cap
15. Faitala Moleka (#199 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 17 caps
Reserves
16. Tania Naden (#197 - Uni-North Owls) – 20 caps
17. Lydia Kavoa (#214 - Eastern Suburbs) – 5 caps
18. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 - Sydney University) – 27 caps
19. Tiarah Minns (#217 - Melbourne University) – 2 caps
20. Ashley Marsters (#117 - Boroondara) – 35 caps
21. Natalie Wright (#213 – Wests Bulldogs) – 4 caps
22. Trilleen Pomare (#155 - Wanneroo) – 34 caps
23. Lori Cramer (#172 – University of Queensland) – 27 caps
Players unavailable for selection
- Piper Duck (shoulder)
- Caitlyn Halse (hamstring)
- Brianna Hoy (knee)
- Atasi Lafai (knee)
- Leilani Nathan (knee)
- Maya Stewart (knee)
- Adiana Talakai (personal reasons)
- Bienne Terita (hamstring)
- Samantha Wood (back)
