Laishon Albert-Jones of New Zealand, Mackenzie Wiki of the Cook Islands and Charlotte Scanlan of New Zealand pose for a photograph after the game - New Zealand Kiwi Ferns v Cook Islands, The Rugby League World Cup England 2021 (played in 2022) at LNER Community Stadium, York, England on Sunday 6 November 2022. © Mandatory credit: Will Palmer / www.photosport.nz Photo: Will Palmer / www.photosport.nz
Mackenzie Wiki, the daughter of former Kiwis and NRL star Ruben Wiki, is set to make her Kiwi Ferns debut, as is an Olympic gold medallist.
Wiki is one of four rookies set to play for New Zealand for the first time alongside former Black Ferns Sevens player and Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Gayle Broughton, Alexis Tauaneai, and Brooke Talataina.
Photo: PhotoSport
Wiki previously represented the Cook Islands at the 2021 World Cup, while Broughton played Sevens for New Zealand for seven years from 2014 to 2021 and won Olympic gold and silver medals and Commonwealth Games and World Cup titles.
Kiwi Ferns head coach Ricky Henry said they had plenty of talent to select from for the upcoming Pacific Championships.
"We are excited about the squad we have assembled. The depth of talented Kiwi players across the NRLW this year has been outstanding to watch and made our selection process more difficult than ever.
"We are looking forward to seeing the rookies take their opportunity. They have been impressive to follow throughout the season and we have no doubt they will proudly
represent the jersey. It is also a great pleasure to name Georgia in her 10th Kiwi Ferns squad," Henry said.
International Rugby League's Golden Boot winner, Georgia Hale, debuted for the Kiwi Ferns in 2014 and has been a mainstay for the team since then. Last season she was named co-captain alongside Raecene McGregor, acknowledging her influence within the team.
Kiwi Ferns league player and 2020 Young New Zealander of the Year, Georgia Hale. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2019 www.photosport.nz
However, Hale will solely captain the side in 2024 as McGregor has chosen to withdraw from selection this season due to family commitments.
Last season the Kiwi Ferns defeated the Jillaroos in the final round to break a seven-year streak of losses to their trans-Tasman rivals. They will be looking to maintain that winning form when they meet again on 27 October.
The match will kick off the Kiwi Ferns Pacific Championship campaign and celebrate the teams return to the South Island for the first time since 1998.
"To bring test level women's rugby league back to Christchurch is exciting. It's great to be giving young wāhine down south the opportunity to see that there is a pathway
in the game that leads to representing your country. We hope to continue to inspire that next generation of Kiwi Ferns with more games played across Aotearoa in future," said Henry.
The Christchurch match will be played as a doubleheader with the Kiwis men also playing Australia.
2024 Kiwi Ferns Squad:
Abigail Roache, Knights
Alexis Tauaneai, Dragons*
Amber Hall, Roosters
Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa, Dragons
Annessa Biddle, Sharks
Apii Nicholls, Raiders
Ashleigh Quinlan, Raiders
Brianna Clark, Broncos
Brooke Anderson, Sharks
Brooke Talataina, Tigers*
Gayle Broughton, Broncos*
Georgia Hale, Titans
Leianne Tufuga, Tigers
Mackenzie Wiki, Raiders*
Mele Hufanga, Broncos
Mya Hill Moana, Roosters
Najvada George, Tigers
Otesa Pule, Roosters
Shanice Parker, Knights
Tiana Davison, Knights
Tyla King, Dragons
*Denotes potential debut.
Wider Squad:
Amelia Pasikala, Raiders
Cheyelle Robins Reti, Raiders
Jasmine Fogavini, Broncos
Laishon Albert Jones, Knights
Rosie Kelly, Eels
Unavailable Due to Injury:
Stacey Waaka, Broncos, Tafito Lafaele, Broncos.