New South Wales has claimed a total of 25 spots in the Harvey Norman Jillaroos for the Downer Auckland Nines and the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars women’s teams announced today, with all three teams competing in early February in New Zealand and Australia.
A whole host of NSW-eligible women have been named in the sides, including the ever-reliable Kezie Apps, Sam Bremner, Allana Ferguson and Maddie Studdon.
Jillaroos coach Brad Donald named a 16-strong squad to travel to Auckland to compete at the Nines against the Ferns, including one debutant.
“The Kiwis beat us at the Nines last year and the entire squad has been training hard to ensure that we are prepared to turn the result around in 2017,” Donald said
“This is a big year for the Jillaroos, with a Test Match and the defence of the Rugby League World Cup.
“Our journey starts on February 4 in Auckland and the team is looking forward to the challenge.”
Indigenous Women’s All Stars coach Dean Widders named his team ahead of a training camp on the Gold Coast this weekend, with eight debutants included in the squad.
“The All Stars occasion is a highlight for these young women, their families and communities,” Widders said.
“I know the team is looking forward to playing in front of a passionate Newcastle crowd and soaking up the atmosphere.”
Women’s All Stars coach and current head coach of the Kawana Dolphins, Rob Brough named his team to take on the Indigenous Women’s team, with six debutants included.
“We’ve picked a squad with a combination of strength and experience, along with some of the next generation of female stars,” Brough said.
“It’s fantastic to have such depth amongst women’s rugby league and the team is building nicely ahead of their All Stars title defence against the Indigenous Women’s team.
Harvey Norman Jillaroos
1. Kezie Apps (NSW)
2. Chelsea Baker (QLD)
3. Annette Brander (QLD)
4. Brittany Breayley (QLD)
5. Sam Bremner (NSW)
6. Ali Brigginshaw (QLD)
7. Karina Brown (QLD)
8. Allana Ferguson (NSW)
9. Kody House (QLD)
10. Amelia Kuk – debut (QLD)
11. Renae Kunst (QLD)
12. Corban McGregor (NSW)
13. Caitlin Moran (NSW)
14. Ruan Sims (NSW)
15. Maddie Studdon (NSW)
16. Simaima Taufa (NSW)
Coach: Brad Donald
Indigenous Women’s All Stars
1. Kelsey Parkin (QLD)
2. Suvannah Connors – debut (QLD)
3. Nakia Davis-Welsh (NSW)
4. Bo de la Cruz (QLD)
5. Sarah Field – debut (QLD)
6. Tahlia Hunter – debut (NSW)
7. Kandy Kennedy (NSW)
8. Samartha Leisha – debut (QLD)
9. Briony Livingstone – debut (NSW)
10. Stephanie Mooka – debut (QLD)
11. Caitlin Moran (NSW)
12. Lauren Motlop (NT)
13. Molly O’Connell (QLD)
14. Lavina Phillips (NSW)
15. Amber Pilley (QLD)
16. Rebecca Riley (NSW)
17. Simone Smith (NSW)
18. Tallulah Tillett – debut (QLD)
19. Rebecca Young (NSW)
20. Emily Young – debut (QLD)
Coach: Dean Widders
Women’s All Stars
1. Sam Bremner (NSW)
2. Isabelle Kelly – debut (NSW)
3. Amelia Kuk – debut (QLD)
4. TJ Green – debut (SA)
5. Karina Brown (QLD)
6. Ali Brigginshaw (QLD)
7. Maddie Studdon (NSW)
8. Steph Hancock (QLD)
9. Brittany Breayley (QLD)
10. Eliana Walton (NSW)
11. Tazmin Gray (QLD)
12. Kezie Apps (NSW)
13. Renae Kunst (QLD)
14. Zehara Temara – debut (QLD)
15. Allana Ferguson (NSW)
16. Simone Karpani – debut (SA)
17. Stef Gallagher – debut (QLD)
18. Ruan Sims (NSW)
Coach: Rob Brough
