All five One New Zealand Warriors – four on debut – have been included in the Kiwi Ferns’ side for their round one Pacific Championships match against Fetu Sāmoa at Go Media Stadium on Sunday (3.35pm kick-off).
Warriors captain Apii Nicholls will again wear the #1 jersey for her country while four of her clubmates become Kiwi Ferns internationals for the first time after all making their NRLW debuts this year.
Tysha Ikenasio, Patricia Maliepo and Shakira Baker are set to achieve the status of dual internationals after previously representing the Black Ferns in rugby union; Ikenasio is named on the wing, Maliepo at standoff and Baker in the second row.
And the exceptional 19-year-old Ivana Lauitiiti adds another layer to her rookie season as well as joining her father Ali Lauitiiti to become the second father and daughter duo to represent New Zealand (after Ruben and Mackenzie Wiki last year).
The Kiwi Ferns boast four NRLW captains in Nicholls, Georgia Hale (Titans), Raecene McGregor (Dragons) and Angelina Taekaraanga-Katoa (Bulldogs).
“There has been a lot of hype around our rookies, and when you see how they train and what they can do, you can understand why,” said Kiwi Ferns head coach Ricky Henry.
“This has been one of the best starts we’ve had to a campaign. The team is raring to go, and we look forward to seeing them rip in on Sunday.”
The Sāmoan side is captained by Annetta Nuuausala, just signed to rejoin the Warriors after helping the Brisbane Broncos to the NRLW premiership.
