Moleka excited by new Wallaroos faces ahead of Fijiana test

Mon, Mar 23, 2026, 11:20 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

Wallaroos flyhalf Faitala Moleka believes the new faces can add a new edge to the team as they prepare to open their Test campaign on Friday against Fijiana.

The match in Canberra will kick off a ten-Test season and begin the road to the home World Cup in 2029.

Watch every second of the Wallaroos 2026 season live and on demand via Stan Sport.

Moleka has emerged as one of the most experienced halves in the squad, with the uncapped Piper Simons and Nicole Ledington added for the Fijiana Test and Pacific Four series.

It comes after the departure of Trilleen Pomare (retirement), Tia Hinds (Sevens) and Arabella McKenzie (rugby league), with the Brumby eager to see the new faces get their chance.

“I think it's refreshing," she told reporters.

“We've had a very experienced backline previously with G-Fred [Georgina Friedrichs], C [Ceilia] Smith, Trilleen [Pomare], who's retired now, and so that's given an opportunity for some of the youngest to come through, and they bring a lot of speed.

“We've got what Millie Whittaker on the wing, she's fiery, she's quick, we've got Brooke [Brooklyn Teki-Joyce] from Force as well. Everything's so refreshing and it adds a new spark in our backline, and so much talent there that hasn't been touched

“It's pretty cool and pretty keen to tap into that.”

Moleka singled out praise for Queenslander and Sevens convert Sidney Taylor, who will press for a spot in the centres along with Ella Ryan, who shifts from the halves.

“She's quick, man. I'm her inside, and I don't think I can keep up half the time, so I'm excited to see her," Moleka said of Taylor.

The match against Fijiana is their first game since last year's World Cup campaign in England.

This will be followed by the Pacific Four series in the USA next month, while a match against the Red Roses has been locked in to kick off the WXV Global Series later in the year.

“Very keen to start off at the top level [of performance]," Moleka added.

"As we go through this first game, I think it's just the focus on looking internally and getting our systems right, our connections, and everything on and off the field. I think it will challenge us but I think we're up for the challenge in terms of gelling out as a team.”

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