New Wallaroos squad member Maddison Levi is excited to be thrown into the deep end of the 15-a-side game as she looks to quickly get up to speed.
Levi is one of several inclusions from the World Champion Sevens side in the Wallaroos squad for next week’s Test against New Zealand in Auckland, the team's 100th match.
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The likes of Bienne Terita, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Piper Simons and Tia Hinds all have experience in the format, with Simons and Hinds helping the NSW Waratahs to the Super Rugby Women’s title.
However, the camp is Levi’s first taste of the 15-a-side game, with a planned stint with the Queensland Reds last year derailed by a thumb injury.
Levi sits second in the all-time try scorer list on the Sevens World Series, but knows there’s still plenty to learn as she keeps her eyes on the overall goal.
“I'm super excited. Obviously, the long-term goal is to play in the home World Cup, so to be able to come over in this short window instead of training in Sydney and go and train and learn the game with the girls, it's something that's obviously crucial in my planning to make that World Cup team,” Levi told reporters.
“It's obviously such a short window, so there's not much you can probably do, but just play how I normally play and take the game on. I'm such a fast-paced player, so bring that speed and composure into the 15s side.
“I think probably just personality-wise, hopefully I can just bring the energy having played against New Zealand multiple times and knowing the ins and outs of how they play and bring that in. I know what it takes to get over a New Zealand team.”
Levi has plenty of expertise to lean on, already picking the brains of Maya Stewart and the injured Georgina Friedrichs about the nuances of the game.
Director of Women’s High Performance Tim Walsh and incoming Women’s Sevens coach Reg Tayler are also among the transitioning coaching staff until Sione Fukofuka’s arrival in 2027, providing security for the 24-year-old.
“I think I'm a very confidence-based player and to be comfortable within the environment and the girls were awesome, they've been very welcoming, but to have them in the coaching staff to help guide my transitions will make it very seamless,” she notes.
“[Maya] came over and played Sevens and I think she plays pretty similar to how I do. ‘BB’ [Bienne Terita] is a very similar athlete so I’ve been talking to her about the ins and outs of transitioning [between the formats], what she does and how I can do the same.
Walsh believes the experience will be invaluable for Levi, who will link up with the Ultimate Sevens competition after the Test.
“For Maddi, it’s an opportunity to expose herself to the 15s game and help her preparation for the future,” he added.
“Hopefully she can take as much as she can out of this.”
The squad heads to New Zealand on Thursday, with Levi one of four potential debutants alongside Amelia Whitaker, Pia Tapsell and Jemma Bemrose.
