Wallaroos name four debutants for opening Test of 2023 against Fijiana

Wed, May 17, 2023, 11:57 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 confirmed his side to face Fijiana on Saturday at Allianz Stadium, naming four debutants, headlined by playmakers Carys Dallinger and Faitala Moleka.

Dallinger will partner Layne Morgan in the halves, capping off an incredible rise after only last month making herself eligible for Australia off the back of a strong season for the Queensland Reds.

Don't miss out! Click here to buy tickets as the Wallaroos take on Fijiana at Allianz Stadium

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Moleka has won the race to the vacant fullback position over fellow teenager Caitlyn Halse.

“The coaching staff and I have been impressed by the standard set at our first camp of the year,” said Tregonning in a statement.

“There was fierce competition for each spot, and the girls worked hard to earn their places in the starting XV.

“There’s a good mix of emerging and established talent in the team, and I’m looking forward to Saturday’s contest.”

Anabelle Codey has been rewarded for a dominant season with the Reds, earning her first start alongside Michaela Leonard.

Rebels captain Ashley Marsters will show off her versatility, selected at blindside flanker with incoming captain Piper Duck (foot) on the sidelines.

Brumbies duo Tabua Tuinakauvadra and Jasmin Huriwai have been included on the bench for their potential debuts.

Captain Shannon Parry will start in her final Test match, looking forward to ending her career on home soil.

“It’s been a bittersweet mix of emotions, working towards my final Test match,” said Parry.

“I’m welcoming the opportunity to lead out the Wallaroos one last time – I’m glad the match is on home soil, where I can mark this occasion with my partner, family and friends.

“Going up against Fijiana is always a physical contest, but we’ve been preparing for that and we’re all working toward the same goal for this weekend. The girls can’t wait to rip in and kick off the 2023 season with a strong performance."

The match will be broadcast on 9GEM and shown live, ad-free and on-demand on Stan Sport.

Wallaroos team to play Fiji

1. Bree-Anna Cheatham – Queensland Reds

2. Adiana Talakai – New South Wales Waratahs

3. Eva Karpani – New South Wales Waratahs

4. Michaela Leonard – Western Force

5. Annabelle Codey – Queensland Reds

6. Ashley Marsters – Melbourne Rebels

7. Shannon Parry (C) – Queensland Reds

8. Grace Hamilton – New South Wales Waratahs

9. Layne Morgan – New South Wales Waratahs

10. Carys Dallinger – Queensland Reds *

11. Ivania Wong – Queensland Reds

12. Cecilia Smith – Queensland Reds

13.Georgina Friedrichs – New South Wales Waratahs

14. Maya Stewart – New South Wales Waratahs

15.Faitala Moleka – ACT Brumbies *

Reserves

16.Tania Naden – ACT Brumbies

17. Emily Robinson – New South Wales Waratahs

18. Bridie O’Gorman – New South Wales Waratahs

19.Sera Naiqama – New South Wales Waratahs

20.Tabua Tuinakauvadra – ACT Brumbies *

21. Jasmin Huriwai – ACT Brumbies *

22.Siokapesi Palu – ACT Brumbies

23. Alana Elisaia – Queensland Reds

*Denotes uncapped player

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