Wallaroos skipper Pesi Palu has hailed the timely return of Adiana Talakai ahead of what looms a physical clash with world number two Canada on Friday.
The Canadians head to Suncorp Stadium with their Pacific Four Series defence on the line following last week's 27-all draw with New Zealand while Australia are out to spoil the party with a maiden victory over their North American rivals.
Watch Friday's Wallaroos-Canada and Reds-Hurricanes double header live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Talakai, 26, hasn't worn Wallaroos gold since 2023 with the hooker sidelined for 12 months with an ACL injury before a delayed return to the Test arena in 2025.
However, 16-Test Talakai's strength in contact and at set-piece will be vital from the bench against a Canadian pack that dominated Australia with three maul tries in last year's corresponding fixture - won 33-14 by Canada.
"She (Talakai) is a lot fitter and stronger. It will be good for her to get an international match under her belt," Palu told reporters on Thursday.
"She's been away for personal reasons but we're really glad to have her back and the girls are really excited to see what she can bring."
The Waratahs hooker showed glimpses of her best during a gradual return to play through Super Rugby Women's 2025 with NSW and Wallaroos teammate Caitlyn Halse tipping a "big performance" from Talakai on Friday.
"She obviously missed all season last year through her ACL injury but I think we’ll see a big performance out of her," Halse told reporters.
"A lot of physicality off that bench and with her throw at set piece - I think she’ll go well."
Palu won't just be relying on Talakai's impact alone with the in-form skipper calling on her fellow forwards to "empty the tank" and front up defensively at Suncorp Stadium.
"100 per cent - those that are starting have to (empty the tank) knowing that we've got a lot of impact and experience coming off the bench," Palu agreed.
"We've been working really hard with the forwards in terms of our set piece, we've really drilled down on what we need to execute as a forward pack and really lay down that platform.
"We've got to give credit to Canada, they're a great team. We know they're strong and physical, we've just got to make sure we're tactical with how we approach it."
Talakai joins Bree-Anna Browne, Eva Karpani, Ash Fernandez, Emily Chancellor and Ruby Anderson as forward cover in a 6-2 split including Sevens recruit Tia Hinds and veteran Trilleen Pomare out wide.
The Wallaroos-Canada Pacific Four clash kicks off 4:55pm AEST on Friday 23 May at Suncorp Stadium. Tickets are available for purchase here.
