Hale to lead strong Kiwi Ferns squad in Pacific Championships

The latest Kiwi Ferns squad has been named to contest the 2024 Pacific Championships.

21 players will have the honour of representing their country, with four rookies set to pull on the Kiwi Ferns jersey for the first time: Alexis Tauaneai, Gayle Broughton, Mackenzie Wiki and Brooke Talataina.

Kiwi Ferns Head Coach Ricky Henry said: “We are excited about the squad we have assembled. The depth of talented Kiwi players across the NRLW this year has been outstanding to watch and made our selection process more difficult than ever.

“We are looking forward to seeing the rookies take their opportunity. They have been impressive to follow throughout the season and we have no doubt they will proudly represent the jersey. It is also a great pleasure to name Georgia in her 10^th Kiwi Ferns squad.”

IRL Golden Boot winner, Georgia Hale, debuted for the Kiwi Ferns in 2014 and has been a mainstay for the team since then. Last season she was named co-captain alongside Raecene McGregor, acknowledging her influence within the team. However, Hale will soley captain the side in 2024 as McGregor has chosen to withdraw from selection this season due to family commitments.

Last season the Kiwi Ferns defeated the Jillaroos in the final round to break a seven-year streak of losses to their trans-Tasman rivals. They will be looking to maintain that winning form when they meet again on the 27^th of October. The match will kick off the Kiwi Ferns Pacific Championship campaign and celebrate the teams return to the South Island for the first time since 1998.

“To bring test level women’s rugby league back to Christchurch is exciting. It’s great to be giving young wāhine down south the opportunity to see that there is a pathway in the game that leads to representing your country. We hope to continue to inspire that next generation of Kiwi Ferns with more games played across Aotearoa in future,” said Henry.

The Christchurch match will be played as a doubleheader with the Kiwis men also playing Australia. Tickets are available from Ticketek.

 

2024 KIWI FERNS SQUAD

Abigail Roache, Knights

Alexis Tauaneai, Dragons*

Amber Hall, Roosters

Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa, Dragons

Annessa Biddle, Sharks

Apii Nicholls, Raiders

Ashleigh Quinlan, Raiders

Brianna Clark, Broncos

Brooke Anderson, Sharks

Brooke Talataina, Tigers*

Gayle Broughton, Broncos*

Georgia Hale, Titans

Leianne Tufuga, Tigers

Mackenzie Wiki, Raiders*

Mele Hufanga, Broncos

Mya Hill Moana, Roosters

Najvada George, Tigers

Otesa Pule, Roosters

Shanice Parker, Knights

Tiana Davison, Roosters

Tyla King, Dragons

 

*Denotes potential debut.

 

Wider Squad:

Amelia Pasikala, Raiders

Cheyelle Robins Reti, Raiders

Jasmine Fogavini, Broncos

Laishon Albert Jones, Knights

Rosie Kelly, Eels

 

Unavailable Due to Injury:

Stacey Waaka, Broncos

Tafito Lafaele, Broncos

 

Management:

Head Coach: Ricky Henry

Assistant Coach: David Faiumu

Assistant Coach: Andrew Auimatagi

Team Doctor: Ben Soole

Lead Physio: Megan Kelly

Assistant Physio: Melissa Falani

Lead S&C Trainer: Justen Parle

Assistant S&C Trainer: Lee Mou

Performance Analyst: Wade Sinclair

Wellbeing Manager: Carmen Taplin

Logistics Manager: Holly Nahu

Digital Content Manager: Lucy Tuave

Media Manager: Utah Mann

Videographer: Arizona Leger

Team Manager: Gina Cocker

 

Kiwi Ferns Pacific Championships Schedule:

Sunday 27 October

• Pacific Cup – New Zealand v Australia at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (doubleheader with men)

Sunday 3 November

• Pacific Cup – New Zealand v Papua New Guinea at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby

Sunday 10 November

• Pacific Cup men’s and women’s Grand Final in Sydney, Australia