Charlotte Scanlan, Katelyn Vaha’akolo and Laishon Albert-Jones have given the Warriors Community Foundation a huge fillip with their Kiwi Ferns triple strike.
They were included in the 19-strong New Zealand squad named on Wednesday for the one-off Test against Mate Ma’a Tonga at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday, June 25.
All three are on the Warriors Community Foundation’s staff, Scanlan as the foundation’s community programmes coordinator and Vaha’akolo and Albert-Jones as community coordinators.
“We’re so excited and proud about their selection. It’s tremendous for our organisation,” said the foundation’s CEO Lincoln Jefferson.
“Charlotte is instrumental to the coordination of our school programmes and community events.
“She is the first point of contact in terms of programme delivery for the foundation. Her rugby league knowledge, coaching and friendly manner make her a huge asset to the team.
“Add in that she’s a Kiwi Fern, NRLW player, has achieved success in rugby union as well and you can see an amazing role model for wahine of all ages wherever we go.
“KV (Katelyn) and Laishon are new to the team but they have brought in their own unique style of youthfulness and fun to an already dynamic team that also includes another Kiwi Fern in Kanyon Paul.”
Scanlan, who first played for the Kiwi Ferns in 2013, was with the Newcastle Knights for their first NRLW campaign earlier this year.
“I just want to say a big ngā mihi to everyone who has passed on their congratulations,” she said.
“I pinch myself every time I get the call. The black jersey’s a special one to me and my family. The support has been unreal and working here at the Vodafone Warriors has made chasing my athlete dream a little bit easier.”
She said she was especially thrilled fellow community coaches Vaha’akolo and Albert-Jones had also been selected.
Vaha’akolo made her Kiwis Ferns debut in 2020 while Albert-Jones is in contention for her first Test next weekend.
The hope now is that all three will give the Warriors Community Foundation a trifecta of Test players against Tonga.
