Interim Wallaroos coach Sam Needs has named six new faces for the first test of 2026 against Fijiana on Friday in Canberra.
Nicole Ledington, Sid Taylor and Brooklyn Teki-Joyce have all been named in the starting side, which has gone under a major revamp since last year’s World Cup.
Watch every second of the Wallaroos 2026 season live and on demand via Stan Sport.
New Zealand-born, Western Force flyhalf Ledington will partner with club teammate Samantha Wood in the halves after 20 caps with the Force for the 22-year-old.
Meanwhile, Teki-Joyce has been a standout on the wing for several years, scoring twice for Australia A against Samoa in 2024 before featuring in past Wallaroos camps in 2025.
She partners with all-time leading try-scorer Maya Stewart, with Faitala Moleka shifting to fullback.
Taylor rounds out the trio, named in the centres as the Sevens convert links up with Cecilia Smith following her return from long-term injury at the start of the year.
The Queenslander is one of two Sevens players named, with Piper Simons in line for a debut as the replacement scrumhalf.
Simon is named as part of the finishers along with potential debutants Brittany Merlo and Lily Bone.
Experienced World Cup stars Eva Karpani, Michaela Leoard, Georgina Friedrichs and Desiree Miller are all set to finish the game as Neads experiments before next month’s Pacific Four series.
Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona leads the new-look side, which includes 17 players who featured at last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The Wallaroos will look to defend the Vuvale Bowl after winning the inaugural title 43-7 in Suva last year.
“We’ve had a great 12 days in camp so far and that made selections across the board a healthy headache for the coaches," Needs said.
“We are really pleased to be able to give six players potential debuts this weekend and are excited to see them take the next step in their rugby journeys.
“Fijiana will provide a strong and physical challenge for us ahead of the Pacific Four series and we are looking forward to our first Test of the year.”
1. Brianna Hoy (#203 - NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 9 caps
2. Adiana Talakai (#182 - NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 21 caps
3. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 - NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 37 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 - NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 35 caps
5. Ashley Fernandez (#221 - ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 6 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) (#194 - ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 23 caps
7. Emily Chancellor (#158 - NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 34 caps
8. Piper Duck (#185 - NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 22 caps
9. Samantha Wood (#207 - Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby Club) – 11 caps
10. Nicole Ledington (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby Club)* - debut
11. Brooklyn Teki-Joyce (Western Force/West Scarborough)* - debut
12. Cecilia Smith (#190 - Western Force/Leeton Dianas) – 28 caps
13. Sidney Taylor (Queensland Reds/Wests Bulldogs)* - debut
14. Maya Stewart (#196 - NSW Waratahs/Nelson Bay Gropers) – 22 caps
15. Faitala Moleka (#199 - ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 26 caps
Reserves
16. Brittany Merlo (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University)* - debut
17. Faliki Pohiva (#219 - NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 7 caps
18. Eva Karpani (#171 - Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 41 caps
19. Michaela Leonard (#168 - Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 42 caps
20. Lily Bone (ACT Brumbies/Orange City)* - debut
21. Piper Simons (NSW Waratahs/Gordon Rugby Club)* - debut
22. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 - NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 38 caps
23. Desiree Miller (#204 - NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 23 caps
Unavailable for selection due to injury
- Tania Naden (knee)
- Waiaria Ellis (shoulder)
