ACT Brumbies skipper Siokapesi Palu is hoping to deliver a title to the nation's capital to set up a blockbuster 2025 for the Wallaroo.
Palu bested her Wallaroos teammates to take out Super Rugby Women's Player of the Year after a powerful domestic season.
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It saw the 28-year-old become a regular starter for the Wallaroos in the back row, eventually becoming the 18th player to captain Australia against Wales.
“It’s truly humbling. It’s such a prestigious award to receive, I don’t really know where to start. The finalists alongside me were definitely to take out the award as well," Palu said on the honour.
The Brumbies missed the Final after going down to eventual champions NSW Waratahs but the pieces are there for a strong title charge next year.
Young guns Faitala Moleka and Tabua Tuinakauvadra were the breakout stars of the Wallaroos 2024 campaign and were eager to celebrate Palu after her award, acting as a two-women hype show as the captain took official photos.
“My teammates at the Brumbies are definitely international players and they’ll only get better," Palu believes.
"They’re so young and they’ve got so much growth potential, but the game is so much more than what you see on the field. In terms of the culture that we have, I hope they build on that moving forward."
On top of this, the Brumbies are bolstered by the appointment of Andy Friend as coach.
Friend served as an advisor in 2024 and Palu could already see the benefits as they build for a crucial period in Women's Rugby
"The Andy Friend era has already started when I was away in WXV and a lot of work has been done already," she said.
"He's genuinely passionate about the women's game and he knows if he grows Brumbies, it has a positive impact for the Wallaroos and that's what he wants, especially before the home World Cup.
"Although we know we want to take the win, a big building phase is that home World Cup in 2029.
