Six One New Zealand Warriors NRLW signings have been named in the Kiwi Ferns and Tonga sides for the Pacific Championships this month.
Long-serving fullback Apii Nicholls (Canberra) and prop Mya Hill-Moana (Sydney Roosters), who have been secured by the Warriors for their return to the NRLW next year, are back after lining up for the Ferns in their drought-breaking 12-6 win over the Jillaroos in Melbourne last year.
Newcastle second rower Laishon Albert-Jones, signed for three years, has been included in the Kiwi Ferns’ wider squad.
Named for Tonga are prop Metanoia Fotu-Moala and outside backs Emmanita Paki and Lavinia Tauhalaliku.
Brisbane superstar Gayle Broughton is among four debutants in the Kiwi Ferns’ squad.
Broughton, a sevens rugby union gold medallist at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, will pull on the Kiwi Ferns jersey for the first time alongside Canberra centre Mackenzie Wiki, St George Illawarra lock Alexis Tauaneai and Wests Tigers forward Brooke Talataina.
Wiki is the daughter of NRL Hall of Famer Ruben Wiki, one of just two Kiwis to have played more than 50 Tests, along with Adam Blair.
The Kiwi Ferns will be captained by IRL Golden Boot winner and former Warrior Georgia Hale, who made her Test debut in 2014 and has been a mainstay for the team since.
The Titans lock last season was named co-captain alongside Raecene McGregor, acknowledging her growing influence within the team.
However, Hale will captain the side on her own in 2024 as McGregor has chosen to withdraw from selection this season due to family commitments.
"We are excited about the squad we have assembled," Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry said.
"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."
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.
“To bring test level women’s rugby league back to Christchurch is exciting," Henry said.
“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.”
Playing in the Pacific Cup, the Kiwi Ferns face the Australian Jillaroos in Christchurch on October 27 followed by the Papua New Guinea Orchids in Port Moresby on November 3 before the finals in Sydney on November 10.
Tonga opens its schedule in the Pacific Bowl against Fetu Samoa in Suva on October 19 in a competition which also includes Fiji Bulikula and Cook Islands Moana.
2024 PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
Kiwi Ferns
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) captain
Leianne Tufuga (Tigers)
Mackenzie Wiki (Raiders)*
Mele Hufanga (Broncos)
Mya Hill Moana (Roosters)
Najvada George (Tigers)
Otesa Pule (Roosters)
Shanice Parker (Knights)
Tiana Davison, Roosters
Tyla King (Dragons)
*Denotes debutant
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)
Tonga
Tegan Dymock
Kate Fallon
Tatiana Finau
Claudia Finau
Vanessa Foliaki (c)
Jade Fonua
Maatuleio Fotu-Moala
Metanoia Fotu-Moala
Litia Fusi
Filomina Hanisi
Kalosipani Hopoate
Shirley Mailangi
Anaseini Malupo
Shannon Muru
Emmanita Paki
Natasha Penitani (c)
Danni Perese
Manilita Takapautolo
Lavinia Tauhalaliku
Cassey Tohi-Hiku
Paea Uilou
