Former Black Ferns Sevens stars Gayle Broughton and Tyla King have been included in the Kiwi Ferns squad for the Pacific Championships.
Broughton is one of four rookies in the 21-player squad named on Tuesday set to pull on the Kiwi Ferns jersey for the first time, alongside Alexis Tauaneai, Mackenzie Wiki and Brooke Talataina.
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Another NZ Sevens standout, Stacey Waaka, missed selection after her season was ended last month by a fractured fibula in her right leg while playing for the Brisbane Broncos.
“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," Kiwi Ferns head coach Ricky Henry said.
“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 10th 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 captain the side alone 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 October 27 in Christchurch.
The match, a double-header with the Kiwis, 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.
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, Knights, Tyla King, Dragons
* Denotes potential debut
Wider squad: Amelia Pasikala, Cheyelle Robins Reti, Jasmine Fogavini, Laishon Albert Jones, Rosie Kelly
Unavailable due to injury; Stacey Waaka, Tafito Lafaele
KIWI FERNS FIXTURES
Sunday, October 27: New Zealand vs Australia, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Sunday, November 3: New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea, Santos Stadium, Port Moresby
Sunday, November 10: Pacific Championship final, Sydney