ACT Brumbies captain Siokapesi Palu believes the club can no longer be satisfied with making semi-finals as they lock in their squad for the 2025 season.
The Brumbies have added Japanese prop Iroha Kishimoto, USA representative Keia Mae Sagapolu and Fijian Olympic sevens bronze medalist Ana Naimasi to a settled squad under new coach Andy Friend.
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“We’ve got a lot of girls from out of town and young girls that have come through our academy which is really exciting," Palu said to the media, who was named captain for another season.
“Players like Lily Bone who was in the Australia A squad, it’s nice to see the local talent flourish and come into the international stage.
“We hope for the new girls it’s coming they’re looking forward to given the Brumbies’s stature as a franchise but it allows opportunities which they’re seeking.
“They’re on the international stage for a reason and I hope their insertion into the team will help bridge that gap, especially in the front-row. Hopefully, their experience can help uplift our game.”
There are 21 returning players from last year's semi-final defeat, going down to eventual champions Waratahs.
It came 12 months after the club lost in the final minutes against the Queensland Reds in 2023, and Palu was energised by the prospect of making their maiden Final.
“It takes a while for things to (come to) fruition and it’s not about how quick you finish the race, it’s all about the journey and building momentum and that continuity of players will allow us to build that,” she believes.
“We’ve made two semi-finals in a row and I hope it’s that confidence piece within us, no playing that underdog, we are in it to win and we can do it.”
The Brumbies will be boosted by the mid-season arrival of Bienne Terita, Tia Hinds and Demi Hayes.
The trio will link up with the squad after the Vancouver SVNS event, days before their opening round fixture in Perth against the Force.
“It’s exciting. They come with great experience but provide a different element with their speed, fitness and skill. I hope it can complement our game," Palu added.
