Warriors NRLW stars Georgia Hale and Honey Hireme-Smiler are among four Kiwi Ferns named in the women’s team of the tournament following New Zealand’s brilliant 17-15 victory over the much-touted Jillaroos in last night’s World Cup 9s final at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney.
After leading 11-8, the Ferns fell behind 11-15 before a Nita Maynard try converted by play maker Raecene McGregor gave them a 17-15 lead they defended over the last five minutes.
McGregor was named the player of the tournament and joined Hale and Hireme-Smiler in the team of the tournament along with outside back Kiana Takairangi.
Kiwi captain Shaun Johnson and outside back Jamayne Isaako were included in the men’s elite selection after both excelled throughout the tournament which finished with the New Zealanders losing the final 10-24 to the Kangaroos.
The contest was blighted by another officiating incident in the second half. With Australia leading just 13-10 with three minutes to play, Kyle Feldt was awarded a try when it was clear he had forced the ball short of the goal-line.
WORLD CUP 9s | TEAMS OF THE TOURNAMENT
MEN
MITCHELL MOSES (Australia)
JOSH ADDO-CARR (Australia)
DAVID FIFITA (Australia)
JAMAYNE ISAAKO (New Zealand)
SHAUN JOHNSON (New Zealand)
DANNY LEVI (Toa Samoa)
JAROME LUAI (Toa Samoa)
REECE ROBINSON (Lebanon)
PAUL ULBERG (Cook Islands)
WOMEN
RAECENE McGREGOR (New Zealand)
KIANA TAKAIRANGI (New Zealand)
HONEY HIREME-SMILER (New Zealand)
GEORGIA HALE (New Zealand)
ALI BRIGGINSHAW (Australia)
KEELEY DAVIS (Australia)
JESSICA SERGIS (Australia)
CAITLIN BEEVERS (England)
RHIANNON MARSHALL (England)
