Five Wallaroos have been named in the starting line-up for the Waratahs Women's first trial of 2026 against the Fijian Drua at HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday (11am kick-off AEST).
Brianna Hoy, Kaitlan Leaney, Emily Chancellor, Piper Simons and Desiree Miller all make their first starts of the season, in a side mixed with a blend of youth and experience.
In fact, Simons makes her senior 15s debut for the Waratahs, as do three other players in Pleuni Kievit, Lusiana Vesikula, Paris Ingegneri.
And head coach Michael Ruthven was looking forward to seeing his side play for the first team this season, with the game acting as a double header with our men's Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific Round 14 tie against the Fijian Drua.
“We are really excited to announce our first Match Day squad for our first trial against the Fijian Drua,“ Ruthven said.
"It presents an exciting opportunity for the 23 players named to get some quality rugby under their belt. It’s a great balance of experience and youth in our squad.
“The Drua will present a really physical challenge which will be perfect for us as we continue preparing for the season.”
On the bench, there is an experienced front-row who will take to the field in Adiana Talakai, Emily Robinson and Bridie O'Gorman, while we may also see three more senior debuts in the shape of Grace Gillies, Taj Heald, Edie Burke.
Fijiana Drua v NSW Waratahs Women: trial match
Saturday 16 May, 11am kick-ff AEST
HFC Bank Stadium, 220 Laucala Bay Rd, Suva, Fiji
Starting XV:
- Brianna Hoy
- Siusiuosalafai Volkman
- Seneti Kilisimasi
- Kaitlan Leaney (vc)
- Tahlia Morgan
- Ruby Anderson
- Emily Chancellor (c)
- Nicole Nathan
- Piper Simons
- Pleuni Klevit
- Desiree Miller (vc)
- Rosie Ferguson
- Lusiana Vesikula
- Milly Whitaker
- Paris Ingegneri
Replacements:
16. Adiana Talakai
17. Emily Robinson
18. Bridie O'Gorman
19. Grace Gillies
20. Brittany Merlo
21. Taj Heald
22. Edie Burke
23. Martha Harvey
