Mackenzie Wiki is set to follow in the footsteps of her famous father Ruben, New Zealand's most capped international, when she makes her Kiwi Ferns debut on Sunday in Papua New Guinea.
Wiki, who plays for the Raiders alongside Apii Nichols, Ash Quinlan and Cheyelle Robins-Reti, has been named on the wing as one of three new faces from the team which was beaten14-0 by the Jillaroos in Christchurch last Sunday.
Wests Tigers utility Brooke Talataina will also make her Test debut for New Zealand from the interchange bench, alongside Sydney Roosters forward Otesa Pule, who replaces premiership winning team-mate Tiana Davidson.
Star second-rower Anessa Biddle, who was a member of the Sharks team beaten by the Roosters in the grand final, and fullback Apii Nicholls are the other players rested after playing in Christchurch.
Roosters forward Amber Hall takes Biddle's spot in the second-row, while Dragons teenager Alexis Tauaneai moves from the bench to the front-row in a swap with NRLW team-mate Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa.
Wiki, who represented Cook Islands at the last World Cup in 2022, takes the wing spot of Shanice Parker, who moves to fullback with Nicholls rested.
She will don the black-and-white jersey for the first time, joining father Ruben - an NRL Hall of Famer and 55-Test Kiwi - as a New Zealand international.
Known for her powerful runs and fierce commitment, McKenzie is ready to continue her family’s legacy on the field.
With a place in the Pacific Championships final on the line, the Kiwi Ferns are sharpening their strategies following their gutsy defensive display against the Jillaroos.
This week, the Ricky Henry-coached team are focused on refining attacking combinations and timing against the Orchids.
For PNG, a major backline reshuffle sees Shae Yvonne De La Cruz come straight in at fullback, pushing Mala Mark to the wing.
Centre La-Toniya Norris-Addo suffered an ACL injury against the Jillaroos, bringing in youngster Jenny Wesley for her Test debut.
Ua Rava moves from hooker into halfback, with new squad member Therese Aiton to start at No.9.
Leila Kerowa impressed the coach in the last game and earns a starting spot in the second row, while Sareka Mooka will start at lock. Delailah Ahose and Gloria Kaupa move to the bench, with Roswita Kapo, Meli Joe and Talitha Kunjil dropping to the reserves and Freda Waula omitted.