The Wallaroos have their eyes clearly on the future with an extended squad to train around the country.
New coach Dwayne Nestor has opted for some emerging talents, as the Aussies begin their preparations for the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Twenty-six of the 45 women come from outside last year’s World Cup squad, with Super W standouts like WA’s Courtney Hodder among the new faces.
Super W champions NSW had 16 players picked in the 45 woman squad, while Queensland has 11, WA 10, ACT six and two from Victoria.
There are some notable omissions, with four-time World Cup hooker Louise Burrows missing out, and 21-Test back Ash Hewson both missing from the squad.
Hewson announced her Wallaroos retirement earlier this week, after an 11-year career at international level.
Queensland youngster Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea is another big name missing, with the exciting rising star not eligible for Australian duties until March next year, having moved to Australia from New Zealand.
Players will train in their state bases ahead of two Tests against the Black Ferns in August and Nestor said it was a critical time for the squad.
“We have named a squad with one eye on success in 2018 and one eye on developing players for the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup,” he said.
“It’s important that we start blooding players now and getting them used to the expectations we have of players in the National Squad.
“For the squad members now is the time to lift their preparation and training, we have an historic opportunity in August and I know every squad member will be working hard towards that goal.”
SQUAD
2018 Wallaroos extended squad
Props
Wynona Baice, QLD
Peta Cox, ACT
Toa Filmoehala, QLD
Evelyn Horomia, NSW
Hana Ngaha, QLD
Emily Robinson, NSW
Violeta Tupuola, ACT
Hooker
Melissa Fatu, NSW
Liz Patu, QLD
Darryl Wickliffe, WA
Locks
Millie Boyle, QLD
Alisha Hewitt, QLD
Kiri Lingman, QLD
Ana-Lise Sio, NSW
Rebecca Clough, WA
Flanker
Emily Chancellor, NSW
Ariana Kaiwai, NSW
Michelle Milward, ACT
Georgia O’Neill, ACT
Kirby Sefo, QLD
Vesinia Taufa, WA
Alice Tonumaivao, WA
Fi Jones, NSW
No. 8
Grace Hamilton, NSW
Victoria Latu, NSW
Tayla Stanford, ACT
Scrumhalves
Georgia Cormick, VIC
Kendra Fell, WA
Cobie-Jane Morgan, NSW
Flyhalves
Chloe Leaupepe, NSW
Trilleen Pomare, WA
Centres
Katrina Barker, NSW
Tui Cope, WA
Crystal Maguire, NSW
Nareta Marsters, QLD
Huia Turoa, WA
Wings
Courtney Hodder, WA
Mahalia Murphy, NSW
Zakiya Kereopa, WA
Atasi Lafai, NSW
Shanice Parker, NSW
Sarah Riordan, QLD
Fullbacks
Mhicca King, WA
Samantha Treherne, QLD
Samantha Wood, ACT