'Never thought it would happen': Temara outlines Kiwi Ferns dream
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Canberra Raiders halfback Zahara Temara has pledged her international allegiance to the Kiwi Ferns as she chases a spot in the New Zealand World Cup squad.
The Rotorua-born playmaker grew up dreaming of representing her country before her family moved the Australia when she was 11.
While she always hoped of one day playing for New Zealand, Temara progressed through the Australian pathway and earned a Jillaroos debut in 2017.
2024 Points Leaders: Zahara Temara
That put a stop to her chances of turning out for the Kiwi Ferns until the International Rugby League changed the women's eligibility rules earlier this year.
Suddenly, the door had reopened for Temara to play for New Zealand and she's desperate to use the upcoming NRLW season to put her name firmly in the frame for selection.
"If the opportunity came about I'd love to put on the black jersey," Temara told NRL.com. "It was always a goal of mine when I started to play rugby league but I never thought it would happen.
"The rule back then was you had to live in New Zealand to play for New Zealand. Then when I played for Australia, you couldn't switch allegiances. Now you can, so I'm keen to chuck on a black jersey if the opportunity came about."
Temara is the latest in a long line of stars to put her hand up for Kiwi Ferns selection following the changes to the eligibility rules.
Parramatta star Kennedy Cherrington and Broncos prop Shannon Mato have also changed their allegiance to New Zealand ahead of this year's World Cup, with more likely to follow in the coming months.
With England the other big beneficiaries from the changes, the upcoming tournament shapes as the closest Women's World Cup since the event's inception in 2000.
An experienced playmaker who led the Roosters to the 2021 NRLW title and has played for Australia and Queensland, Temara is one of multiple halves in the mix for the Kiwi Ferns.
Tyla King and Raecene McGregor are the incumbents, while Ash Quinlan, Gayle Broughton and Patricia Maliepo have also played in the halves in the past couple of years.
Temara was one of five New Zealand eligible players at Monday's NRLW season launch, with the return of the Warriors also providing a clear pipeline from junior footy to the international arena.
Kiwi Ferns coaches are deep in their planning for the competition and have gathered groups of players together on both sides of the Tasman to outline their vision for the year.
While Temara is yet to meet with New Zealand coach Ricky Henry, the five-eighth would love to sit down with him after her Raiders play his Cowboys in Round 5.
"I have not had any chats with the coach but hopefully in the future I'll be able to," she said.
"We play the Cowboys in Magic Round, everyone will be together so maybe I'll run into him at a cafe and we can have a chat."
Match: Dragons v Raiders
Round 1 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Raiders
Venue: St George Venues Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
While the World Cup remains a lofty goal, Temara's immediate focus is on the Raiders NRLW campaign.
Canberra will open their season against the Dragons on Saturday, with the halfback leading an emerging Raiders squad.
Coach Darrin Borthwick has slowly built the side's depth since their introduction into the competition in 2023 and they have recruited well this season with the addition of fullback Sheridan Gallagher, centre Bobbi Law and five-eighth Krystal Blackwell.
Those factors have combined to give Temara confidence the Raiders can progress to the finals for the first time.
NRLW players to watch: Elise Simpson
"When I came to the Raiders it was quite a young team," Temara said. "I've seen the different mindset from an experienced team to a young team and I've seen that change here this year.
"Everyone truly wants to win and is working hard to win. I'm not saying that they weren't, but you can see the experience coming through now. The mindset change has been huge and we have the mentality in how we approach the game that we can beat them."
