Michaela Leonard will lead the Wallaroos on a four-Test tour of New Zealand while regular captain Piper Duck recovers from ankle surgery.
Coach Jay Tregonning named a 30-player squad with 18-cap Western Force forward Leonard at the helm and four players eyeing debuts.
Melanie Wilks, Brianna Hoy, Desiree Miller and Leilani Nathan could all win their first caps in the Laurie O’Reilly Cup return leg against New Zealand on September 30.
The side will then complete their season with Tests against England, France and Wales in the WXV1 tournament across New Zealand from October 20.
Lock Atasi Lafai will also return from a serious ankle injury suffered at last year’s World Cup.
“We are excited to get back out there and to continue to test ourselves against the best teams in the world,” Tregonning said.
Maya Stewart of the Wallaroos celebrates scoring a try with team mates during the Women’s International match between the Australia Wallaroos and Fijiana at Allianz Stadium on May 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
“The squad remains largely the same from the Pacific Four Series as we look to continue to build combinations and Test experience.
“I am particularly happy for Atasi Lafai; she had a tough break with her injury at the World Cup last year.
“The grit and determination that she has shown during what has been a long rehab journey for her this year has been a testament to her character.”
Australia’s women have beaten Fiji and USA but suffered heavy losses to Canada and New Zealand in four Tests played this year.
The Wallaroos will train at the new Ballymore National Rugby Training Centre from Friday before departing on September 27.
WALLAROOS FIXTURES
v Black Ferns, Saturday September 30, FMG Stadium, Waikato
v England, Friday October 20, at Sky Stadium, Wellington
v France, Saturday October 28, at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
v Wales, Friday November 3, Go Media Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
WALLAROOS SQUAD
Emily Chancellor, Bree-Anna Cheatham, Annabelle Codey, Brianna Hoy, Eva Karpani, Atasi Lafai, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard (c), Ashley Marsters, Tania Naden, Sera Naiqama, Leilani Nathan, Bridie O’Gorman, Emily Robinson, Adiana Talakai, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Lori Cramer, Carys Dallinger, Georgina Friedrichs, Jasmin Huriwai, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Faitala Moleka, Layne Morgan, Trilleen Pomare, Cecilia Smith, Maya Stewart, Melanie Wilks, Ivania Wong, Siokapesi Palu.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
yep was talking about Terita to a mate. I don't think she's had much of an actual run in 7s series yet either. but I guess they are focusing 100% on Paris. I think they should try moving Wong to 9. pretty sure she has a good pass, she's a great boot laces tackler but in attack she just isn't a threat. And wingers in the women's game are where some of the best players are.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Was wondering if Miller might have got a run instead of Wong. Really missing Terita from the 7s program, she was a sensation for the Wallaroos last season. Without Kemp/ Hamilton we find it hard to get over the advantage line so guessing they feel Leaney is a needed bigger body but she isnt a 6.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
Love the consistency with Wallaroos selections. It makes it easy I guess since the gap is so big between them and the rest of Super W. However one selection they have got wrong is leaving out Desiree Miller from the starting team. She should be the winger of Wong. Wong is consistent and a good defender for her size but just lacks top end spend and tackle breaking ability. Miller is a try scoring machine and a great goal kicker. The other big thing is both Grace Kemp and Grace Hamilton are playing NRLW. Two standout number 8s. Which means Masters has to be moved to 8 and we are playing a second rower at 6. Unfortunately I see more big loses to NZ ENG and France. All of which are basically full time professional with even more pros and semi pros not making their top squad. But if we finish 4th we will have outperformed.