Sport

Newbies and veterans named for Kiwi Ferns

13:52 pm on 1 November 2020

The Kiwi Ferns will have 11 debutants for the match against Fetu Samoa Invitational on 7 November in Auckland.

Akarana's Sharliz White named in Kiwi Ferns for the first time. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Newly appointed Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry's squad includes budding talent from the inaugural Women's Premiership and NZRL Women's Championship as well as seasoned Kiwi Ferns and returnees from the NRLW Warriors campaign.

Standouts from the National Women's Championship who have earned their debuts include Upper Central Stallion's Autumn Stephens and Mya Terehia Hill-Moana.

Auckland Vulcan's Lavinia Tauhalaliku and Shannon Muru have also earned their debut spots after impressive seasons.

Out of the Women's Premiership, champion Counties Manukau powerhouses Kere Matua and Christyl Stowers both earn their debuts as well as MVP of the Premiership Harata Butler and MVP of the grand final Kararaina Wira-Kohu.

Akarana's Karli Hansen, Katelyn Vaha'akolo and Sharliz White will also wear the Kiwi Ferns jersey for the first time.

Julianna Newman returns from injury. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Seasoned Kiwi Fern names return to the squad including star Counties' fullback Amber Kani, captain Krystal Rota and unstoppable forward Maitua Feterika who all impressed for the Stingrays throughout the Premiership competition.

Resilient Kiwi Ferns' winger Julianna Newman returns post knee surgery, impressing in Akarana colours and Kiwi Fern veteran, Honey Hireme-Smiler is back after missing out on the NRWL Warriors campaign due to injury.

Crystal Tamarua and Kanyon Paul also join the 19-women squad fresh from the Warriors' NRLW campaign.

The Kiwi Ferns last faced Fetu Samoa in June 2019 where they came away with a convincing 34 -14 victory.