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.
Match: Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns
Week 1 -
home Team
Jillaroos
1st Position
away Team
Kiwi Ferns
2nd Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
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.
Match: Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns
Week 1 -
home Team
Jillaroos
away Team
Kiwi Ferns
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Jillaroos is number 1 Tamika UptonFullback for Kiwi Ferns is number 1 Apii Nicholls
-
Winger for Jillaroos is number 2 Jaime ChapmanWinger for Kiwi Ferns is number 2 Annessa Biddle
-
Centre for Jillaroos is number 3 Jessica SergisCentre for Kiwi Ferns is number 3 Shanice Parker
-
Centre for Jillaroos is number 4 Isabelle KellyCentre for Kiwi Ferns is number 4 Mele Hufanga
-
Winger for Jillaroos is number 5 Julia RobinsonWinger for Kiwi Ferns is number 5 Leianne Tufuga
-
Five-Eighth for Jillaroos is number 6 Tarryn AikenFive-Eighth for Kiwi Ferns is number 6 Ashleigh Quinlan
-
Halfback for Jillaroos is number 7 Ali BrigginshawHalfback for Kiwi Ferns is number 7 Raecene McGregor
Forwards
-
Prop for Jillaroos is number 8 Shannon MatoProp for Kiwi Ferns is number 8 Mya Hill-Moana
-
Hooker for Jillaroos is number 9 Keeley DavisHooker for Kiwi Ferns is number 9 Brooke Anderson
-
Prop for Jillaroos is number 10 Jessika EllistonProp for Kiwi Ferns is number 10 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
-
2nd Row for Jillaroos is number 11 Kezie Apps2nd Row for Kiwi Ferns is number 11 Otesa Pule
-
2nd Row for Jillaroos is number 12 Olivia Kernick2nd Row for Kiwi Ferns is number 12 Laishon Albert-Jones
-
Lock for Jillaroos is number 13 Simaima TaufaLock for Kiwi Ferns is number 13 Georgia Hale
Interchange
-
Interchange for Jillaroos is number 14 Emma TonegatoInterchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 14 Tyla Nathan-Wong
-
Interchange for Jillaroos is number 15 Caitlan JohnstonInterchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 15 Najvada George
-
Interchange for Jillaroos is number 16 Kennedy CherringtonInterchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 16 Jasmine Fogavini
-
Interchange for Jillaroos is number 18 Lauren BrownInterchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 17 Amelia Pasikala
Reserves
-
Replacement for Jillaroos is number 17 Shaylee BentReplacement for Kiwi Ferns is number 18 Abigail Roache
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Darian Furner
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
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.