Six Wallaroos Selected in NSW Waratahs Women’s team for First Trial

Piper Duck returns with numerous potential debutants for the NSW Waratahs Women’s first trial game against NSW Pasifica this Saturday.

The game at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Granville, Sydney, kicks off at 6 pm and will be the NSW Waratahs Women's side's first in 2025.

Head Coach Michael Ruthven has selected a strong squad that will be captained by Duck. She is one of six current Wallaroos in the team; the others being Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Desiree Miller, Bridie O'Gorman and Atasi Lafai.

For Duck the game will mark her return after being sidelined for five months. A ruptured syndesmosis ended her international season last year.

Another notable name for the game is Emily Robinson, who returns from a shoulder reconstruction last year. This will be her first game in nine months.

Nicole Nathan, twin sister of Leilani Nathan, will be lining up at inside centre for the first time since 2022.

Waiaria Ellis will get her first start at fly-half where she'll play alongside Amelia Whitaker, the niece of Wallabies and Waratahs great Chris Whitaker.

Amelia, along with Waiaria Ellis, was a member of the Australia Under 18s Sevens team that played in the Global Youth Sevens at the end of last year.

New members looking to push for their place in the 2025 squad include Coco Marsters, Faliki Pohiva, Jayjay Taylor and Tahlia Morgan.

Ruthven said he has chosen on the basis of fitness and availability for this weekend.

“The selection for this week is made to give everybody fit and available game time and opportunity on the weekend," Ruthven said.

"So, there’s nothing particularly strategic around it.

"It's just those who are fit and available. We see it as a great opportunity to give them some footy after a good sort of eight-week block of preseason.”

NSW Waratahs Women vs NSW Pasifica

Saturday 25 January - Eric Tweedale Stadium, Granville

Kick-off 6:00 PM AEDT

Live & Free on NSW Rugby TV