16-year-old Halse headlines Wallaroos squad for Fijiana Test

Tue, May 9, 2023, 11:28 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallaroos have kickstarted their 'Road to New Zealand' with a 36-19 victory over Fijiana.

Wallaroos coach Jay Tregonning has named a 32-player squad ahead of their May 20 Test against Fijiana in Sydney.

The squad has undergone a significant overhaul since the World Cup, with 11 uncapped players, headlined by 16-year-old fullback Caitlyn Halse.

Don't miss out! Purchase your tickets for the Wallaroos' Test against Fijiana

The Waratahs sensation is joined by the likes of teenage playmaker Faitala Moleka and Reds flyhalf Carys Dallinger, who has made herself eligible for Australia.

“With a packed international calendar, the 2023 season is full of opportunity for both our emerging and established players,” said Tregonning in a statement.

“The athletes called into the squad distinguished themselves through the work ethic, commitment and drive they displayed during the Buildcorp Super W competition.

“After the most competitive Super W season in recent history, the excitement is high heading into camp later this week. No-one has booked their spot in the team: everything is on the table, and players will be hungry to secure that gold jersey for our first Test match.”

There are 10 Reds in the squad after they went down narrowly in the Super W Final to the Fijiana Drua, headlined by Shannon Parry.

Uncapped half Sarah Lewis and centre Alana Elisaia have also earned call-ups after strong showings in the Final.

It comes with the likes of Arabella McKenzie, Emily Chancellor, Kaitlan Leaney and Lori Cramer still overseas in England, with Waratahs skipper Piper Duck ruled out with injury.

“The added investment into the program from Rugby Australia and World Rugby has been a great step in the right direction as we work to professionalise the Women’s game,” Tregonning continued.

“Creating a strong foundation, with the right support for our players, is crucial to expanding and developing the program. With the addition of a new Women’s High Performance Manager later this year, I am confident the squad will go from strength-to-strength throughout the 2023 season.”

WALLAROOS SQUAD FOR MAY CAMP

Adiana Talakai – 24 – NSW Waratahs – 9 caps

Alana Elisaia – 29 – Queensland Reds – 1 cap

Annabelle Codey – 26 – Queensland Reds – 2 caps

Ashlea Bishop – 25 – ACT Brumbies – uncapped

Ashley Marsters – 29 – Melbourne Rebels – 19 caps

Bree-Anna Cheatham – 26 – Queensland Reds – 1 cap

Bridie O’Gorman – 24 – NSW Waratahs – 11 caps

Caitlyn Halse – 16 – NSW Waratahs – uncapped

Carys Dallinger – 23 – Queensland Reds – uncapped

Cecilia Smith – 29 – Queensland Reds – 5 caps

Deni Ross – 22 – Queensland Reds – uncapped

Desiree Miller – 21 – NSW Waratahs – uncapped

Emily Robinson – 30 – NSW Waratahs – 18 caps

Eva Karpani – 26 – NSW Waratahs – 13 caps

Faitala Moleka – 18 – ACT Brumbies – uncapped

Georgina Friedrichs – 28 – NSW Waratahs – 11 caps

Grace Hamilton – 31 – NSW Waratahs – 25 caps

Ivania Wong – 25 – Queensland Reds – 7 caps

Jasmin Huriwai – 29 – ACT Brumbies – uncapped

Laiema Bosenavulagi – 17 – Melbourne Rebels – uncapped

Layne Morgan – 24 – NSW Waratahs – 11 caps

Leilani Nathan – 22 – NSW Waratahs – uncapped

Madison Schuck – 31 – Queensland Reds – 5 caps

Maya Stewart – 23 – NSW Waratahs – 1 cap

Michaela Leonard – 28 – Western Force – 14 caps

Sarah Lewis – 25 – Queensland Reds – uncapped

Sera Naiqama – 27 – NSW Waratahs – 6 caps

Shannon Parry – 33 – Queensland Reds – 23 caps

Siokapesi Palu – 28 – ACT Brumbies – 1 cap

Tabua Tuinakauvadra – 20 – ACT Brumbies – uncapped

Tania Naden – 31 – ACT Brumbies – 2 caps

Trilleen Pomare – 30 – Western Force – 21 caps

Share
Wallaroos legend Louise Burrows has called time on her three decade career. Photo: Getty Images
Wallaroos legend Louise Burrows announces retirement
'It's exciting': New coach Yapp motivated by historic Wallaroos potential
Rugby Australia lifts commitment to Women's Rugby and Wallaroos
The Wallaroos and Wallabies will play a total of 10 Tests on home soil in 2024. Photo: Getty Images
Wallaroos and Wallabies 2024 Home Test schedule confirmed