Monk, Fua called into Wallaroos squad for O'Reilly Cup opener after Smith, Pohiva injuries

Wed, Apr 22, 2026, 12:00 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Cecilia Smith and Faliki Pohiva have been ruled out for the Wallaroos. Photo: Getty Images
Cecilia Smith and Faliki Pohiva have been ruled out for the Wallaroos. Photo: Getty Images

The Wallaroos have been forced into two changes to the squad, with Ngamihi Monk and Martha Fua called in ahead of Saturday's ANZAC Day clash with the Black Ferns.

It follows injuries to Faliki Pohiva (foot) and Cecilia Smith (hamstring), picked up during their trip to the USA.

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Pohiva came off the bench against the Americans last week but succumbed to injury with nine minutes to go.

The NSW Waratahs prop made her Wallaroos debut last year, debuting against Fijiana and featuring at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

As for Smith, she didn't play against the Americans, ruled out after finishing the game in the midfield against Canada.

The midfielder has been a key cog of the Wallaroos midfield during the 2020s, claiming player of the match in their World Cup opener against Samoa.

Queenslander Ava Wereta replaces Smith last week on her debut, one of several options on the bench or in the midfield alongside Monk.

Wereta was one of three debutants last week, including Ella Ryan, who can also cover the midfield, and Dillyn Blackburn.

Monk comes into the program looking to become the latest debutant after signing as part of the contracted squad earlier in the year.

The Wallaroos have settled into the Sunshine Coast ahead of the ANZAC Day clash with the Black Ferns.

It's the first time the two sides will face off on the special day, with the Kiwis out to maintian an unbeaten record against the Wallaroos.

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