The Kiwi Ferns have pinned their faith in a new-look squad as they look to avenge a heavy defeat to the Jillaroos in last year's World Cup Final.
Losing to their arch-rivals on the game's biggest stage would have been painful enough but the 50-point margin at Old Trafford was the stuff of nightmares for Ricky Henry and his team.
Among the newcomers looking to make a mark in the Pacific Championships are NRLW rookie of the year Annessa Biddle and her Sharks teammate Brooke Anderson, along with Olympic gold medalist Tyla Nathan-Wong
Joining Biddle in the squad is Sharks teammate and hooker Brooke Anderson. Anderson is no stranger to representative rugby league, having represented the Māori All-Stars and NSW Sky Blues in 2023.
Olympic gold medallist and dual code star Tyla Nathan-Wong gets her first Kiwi Ferns selection after an impressive debut season in the NRLW while Wests Tigers duo Leianne Tufuga and Najvada George are also out to make an impression.
With Sam Bremner (retired) and Evania Pelite (knee) the only two players missing from the squad that put the Ferns to the sword in the Cup Final, the Jillaroos boast a powerhouse side that knows what it takes to win big games.
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Team News
Jillaroos: A late switch with Titans hooker Lauren Brown promoted to the starting side and Shaylee Bent moving to 18th player. Knights superstar Tamika Upton makes her Test debut at fullback as part of a star-studded backline that includes World Cup winners Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly, Julia Robinson, Tarryn Aiken and Ali Brigginshaw. The injury to Evania Pelite opens the door for Titans teammate Jaime Chapman to grab a wing spot while another Titan Jessika Elliston makes her Test debut at prop. Kezie Apps will co-captain the side along with Brigginshaw.
Kiwi Ferns: New Zealand will line up 1-17 with no late changes. Abigail Roache is the 18th player. Experienced campaigners Georgia Hale, Apii Nicholls and Mya Hill-Moana will look to lead the way with Raecene McGregor steering the ship from halfback. Broncos powerhouse Mele Hufanga is joined in the centres by Knights star Shanice Parker while Cronulla's rookie sensation Anessa Biddle makes her Test debut on the wing and Ashleigh Quinlan gets her first cap at five-eighth. The bench features four international newcomers in Rugby sevens gold medalist Tyla Nathan-Wong, Broncos forward Jasmine Fogavini, Rooster Amelia Pasikala and Wests Tigers lock Najvada George.
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Stat Attack
- The Kiwi Ferns' last win over the Jillaroos was a 26-16 triumph in Newcastle in 2016.
- Jillaroos trio Julia Robinson, Jess Sergis and Evania Pelite were the equal top tryscorers at last year's World Cup with seven tries each.
- Isabelle Kelly and Sam Bremner share the record for most tries in Tests for the Jillaroos with 14.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.