New Zealand’s Kiwi Ferns will assemble mid-November in preparation for their tilt at returning the Women’s Rugby League World Cup to NZ. The three-time champions (2000, 2003 & 2008) have been working hard for months to prepare for the tournament.
For the first time this selection process has included talent based in Australia, with a number of players making the trip to NZ to trial with their NZ based counterparts before the squad was selected.
Coach Tony Benson said, “It has been exciting to see the lift in intensity at training and at the trials since we were able to commit more resources to the team.
“They have been working on their fitness levels with our trainers and Athlete Nation at the NZIS gym facilities and refining our nutrition with Lee-Anne Wann, performance nutritionist to prepare themselves for this campaign.
“All the players have really embraced the challenge and I am confident they will give the very best of themselves at this year’s tournament.”
The following squad, led by Laura Mariu, will head to Australia where they will play all their pool games in Sydney. The Women’s final will be played prior to the Men’s final in Brisbane on December 2, 2017. All Kiwi Ferns game will screen live on SKY in NZ.
(In alphabetical order)
1. Racquel Anderson *
2. Ngatokotoru Arakua
3. Sharlene Atai
4. Maitua Feterika
5. Teuila Fotu Moala
6. Louisa Gago *
7. Georgia Hale (VC)
8. Honey Hireme
9. Amber Kani
10. Bunty Kuruwaka-Crowe
11. Laura Mariu (C)
12. Lilieta Maumau
13. Nita Maynard *
14. Raecene McGregor *
15. Krystal Murray
16. Kimiora Nati
17. Apii Nicholls-Pualau *
18 Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala
19. Hilda Peters
20. Kahurangi Peters
21. Krystal Rota
22. Aieshaleigh Smalley *
23. Atawhai Tupaea
24. Shontelle Woodman
* Denotes Debutant
The Kiwi Ferns will play a warm-up game prior to the men’s Samoa v Tonga match in Hamilton on November 4. Buy Tickets.
