Six players added to Wallaroos managed group for 2026 season

Thu, Jan 22, 2026, 4:00 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The Wallaroos have added six further players to their managed group ahead of the 2026 season.

This includes Queensland Reds trio Dillyn Blackburn, Evie Sampson and Ava Wereta, joining Western Force pair Nicole Ledington, Ngamihi Monk and NSW Waratahs outside back Amelia Whitaker.

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Wereta and Whitaker have both spent time within the Australia A Sevens program, with Whitaker helping them to the title in Dubai.

She is the niece of former Wallabies captain Chris and debuted for the NSW Waratahs in 2025.

As for Wereta, the centre has been a big part of Bond Uni's success in Queensland Rugby, including helping Queensland win the Next Gen title last year.

The Youth Commonwealth Games gold medalist is joined by Reds teammates Blackburn and Sampson, who both played big minutes in Queensland's semi-final push in Super Rugby W.

Force duo Ledington and Monk round out the list, having built a formidable combination in the backline.

Reds centre Ava Wereta is one of six new additions to the Wallaroos managed group.

"It is fantastic to officially welcome these six players into the Wallaroos program," Rugby Australia's GM of Women's Rugby Jilly Collins said.

"Dillyn, Evie, Ava, Nicole and Ngamihi all showed great application and a clear commitment to the standards we are setting during our December camp.

"They’ve earned this opportunity through the genuine progress they've made.

"Amelia joins following an impressive debut Waratahs season and strong performances within the National Sevens environment and Australia A Sevens program.

"Her inclusion is a testament to her versatility and elite potential."

The Wallaroos will assemble for two camps in February in preparation for their opening Test match of the season against Fijiana at GIO Stadium in Canberra on March 27.

Dillyn Blackburn
  • Position: Backrow
  • DOB: 2/12/2002
  • Junior Club: Gympie Hammers
  • 2025 Super Rugby Club: Queensland Reds
Nicole Ledington
  • Position: Flyhalf
  • DOB: 24/4/2003
  • Junior Club: Kalamunda Rugby
  • 2025 Super Rugby Club: Western Force
Ngamihi Monk
  • Position: Centre
  • DOB: 20/6/2006
  • Junior Club: Wanneroo
  • 2025 Super Rugby Club: Western Force
Evie Sampson
  • Position: Scrumhalf
  • DOB: 21/2/2007
  • Junior Club: Bond Pirates
  • 2025 Super Rugby Club: Queensland Reds
Ava Wereta
  • Position: Centre
  • DOB: 2/6/2006
  • Junior Club: Coomera Crushers
  • 2025 Super Rugby Club: Queensland Reds
Amelia Whitaker
  • Position: Wing
  • DOB: 11/9/2006
  • Junior Club: Randwick
  • 2025 Super Rugby Club: NSW Waratahs

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