New Zealand's Abigail Roache in action at the last Rugby League World Cup. Photo: John Clifton / www.photosport.nz
Eleven debutants have been named for the Kiwi Ferns squad for the 2023 Pacific Championships.
Head coach, Ricky Henry has called on a new bunch of talent after losing the World Cup final against the Jillaroos last year.
"We've listed an impressive group of players who have rightfully earned their spots, and we acknowledge them for their form in the NRLW competitions," Henry said.
Debutant and NRLW rookie of the year medallist, Cronulla Sharks Annessa Biddle has been named after earning two tries, 1366 running metres and 33 tackle breaks this season.
Sharks teammate Brooke Anderson who has represented the Māori All-Stars and NSW Sky Blues in 2023 has also been included.
Former Black Ferns Sevens player Tyla Nathan-Wong is amongst the newcomers after her impressive breakthrough season with St George Illawarra Dragons.
Former Black Ferns Sevens player, Tyla Nathan-Wong Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Kiwi Ferns veterans like Titans Georgia Hale, Raiders Apii Nicholls and Roosters Mya Hill-Moana have been added into the mix as well.
"The depth we have and the new generation of players coming through is exciting. I'm confident our newcomers will flourish alongside our World Cup campaigners and veteran leaders who set an excellent foundation for us last year."
The Kiwis 21-man squad has seven fresh faces.
Cowboys prop Griffin Naeme and Newcastle utility Fa'amanu Brown have been named as one of the new potential debutants in the team.
Alongside Naeme and Brown is Māori All Stars front rower Wiremu Greig, 19-year-old Gold Coast NRL rookie fullback Keano Kini and Newcastle and Māori All Stars prop Leo Thompson.
"It's always a real thrill being able to bring new players into the Kiwi camp," Kiwis head coach Michael Maguire said.
"It's a special place and these men have earned the opportunity. They'll benefit so much from being around players who have done the jersey proud."
Previous players returning include 2022 Golden Boot winner Joseph Manu, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Ronaldo Mulitalo who played in last year's World Cup semi-final losing in a tight battle against the Kangroos.
Ronaldo Mulitalo, Rugby League World Cup 2022. Photo: Will Palmer / www.photosport.nz
"This series is exciting for the game in New Zealand and also a chance for us to start our journey to the next World Cup in 2025."
The Kiwis begin their campaign against Toa Samoa in a Labour Weekend triple header at Eden Park on Saturday, October 21 before facing the Kangaroos in Melbourne a week later.
The series final will be played in Hamilton on November 4.
2023 Kiwi Ferns Pacific Championship Squad:
Abigail Roache
Amelia Pasikala*
Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa*
Annessa Biddle*
Apii Nicholls
Ashleigh Quinlan*
Brooke Anderson*
Capri Paekau*
Cheyelle Robins-Reti*
Georgia Hale
Jasmine Fogavini*
Laishon Albert Jones
Leianne Tufuga*
Mele Hufanga
Mya Hill-Moana
Najvada George*
Otesa Pule
Raecene McGregor
Shanice Parker
Tiana Davison*
Tyla Nathan-Wong*
*potential debuts
2023 Kiwis Pacific Championship Squad:
Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Dylan Brown
Fa'amanu Brown*
James Fisher-Harris
Kieran Foran
Wiremu Greig*
Jahrome Hughes
Jamyne Isaako
Keano Kini*
Moses Leota
Danny Levi
Joseph Manu
Ronaldo Mulitalo
Griffin Neame*
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Briton Nikora
Isaiah Papali'i
Joseph Tapine
Leo Thompson*
Matthew Timoko*
Naufahu Whyte *
*potential debuts