New role for Charlotte Caslick as Wallaroos name team for Canada

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has named three-time Olympian Charlotte Caslick at inside centre for the first time ahead of this week’s Pacific Four Series clash with Canada in Brisbane. Caslick partners Georgina Friedrichs in a world-class midfield pairing for Friday’s match.

After leaving the HBSC SVNS Series to focus on the Super Rugby Women’s season, Caslick was among the standouts for the Queensland Reds while playing fullback. More recently, the former Australia Sevens captain has started two matches on the wing for the Wallaroos.

But Caslick will line up in the new role this week, with coach Yapp making another four changes to the team that beat the USA in Canberra on Saturday. Bola Dawa will wear Wallaroos gold for the first time in 2025, having been named on the right wing.

Adiana Talakai, Ashley Fernandez and Tia Hinds also come into the matchday squad on the bench. Hinds, who is another sevens convert, had started in the No. 10 jumper when the Wallaroos played the Black Ferns earlier this month.

Martha Fua joins three-Test hooker Katalina Amosa and Bridie O’Gorman in the starting front row, while Kaitlan Leaney and Michaela Leonard complete the tight five as the locking duo.

Captain Sokapesi Palu joins in-form flanker Ashley Marsters and Tabua Tuinakauvadra in the backrow. On the bench, NSW Waratahs captain Emily Chancellor is among those who will look to make an impact when their name is called.

In the backs, Layne Morgan will link up with Faitala Moleka in the halves, with Caslick and Friedrichs combining in the centres. Dawa will start on the right edge, with Desiree Miller on the left wing, and Caitlan Halse has been retained as the first-choice fullback.

“We had a pleasing win against the USA and with a short turnaround now we turn our attention to finishing the Pacific Four series well,” coach Yapp said in a statement.

“The past month has been about growth and we continue to give players opportunities through the last match now with the World Cup coming up.

“Adiana Talakai and Biola Dawa return for the first time this year and that’s exciting for them while Martha Fua, Tia Hinds and Ash Fernandez also get another opportunity this week.

“Canada are a strong side that will provide a physical challenge for us on Friday.”

This match at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will get underway at 4:55 pm (AEST) on Friday night. Australia are still in contention to win the Pacific Four Series, with the final placings to be determined after the Black Ferns versus USA Test in Auckland.

Wallaroos to take on Canada

1.Martha Fua (#223 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 2 caps
2. Katalina Amosa (#218 – Southern Districts) – 3 caps
3. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 – Sydney University) – 29 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 – CSU Marlins) – 27 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (#168 – Tuggeranong Vikings) – 35 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu (c) (#194 – Rockdale Rangers) – 19 caps
7. Ashley Marsters (#117 – Boroondara) – 37 caps
8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 – Orange Emus) – 14 caps
9. Layne Morgan (#188 – Merewether Carlton) – 32 caps
10. Faitala Moleka (#199 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 19 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 – Eastern Suburbs) – 15 caps
12. Charlotte Caslick (#220 – Wests Bulldogs) – 3 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 – Wests Bulldogs) – 31 caps
14. Biola Dawa (#211 – Wagga Reddies) – 3 caps
15. Caitlyn Halse (#210 – Camden Rams) – 8 caps

Replacements

16. Adiana Talakai (#182 – Sydney University) – 16 caps
17. Bree-Anna Browne (#193 – Brothers Rugby) – 11 caps
18. Asoiva (Eva) Karpani (#171 – Southern Suburbs) – 34 caps
19. Ashley Fernandez (#221 – Uni-North Owls) – 1 cap
20. Emily Chancellor (#158 – Sydney University) – 26 caps
21. Ruby Anderson (#224 – Avoca Beach Rugby) – 1 cap
22. Tia Hinds (#222 – Randwick) – 2 caps
23. Trilleen Pomare (#155 – Wanneroo) – 36 caps

Players unavailable for selection

• Piper Duck (shoulder)
• Brianna Hoy (knee)
• Lydia Kavoa (calf)
• Atasi Lafai (knee)
• Leilani Nathan (knee)
• Maya Stewart (knee)
• Bienne Terita (hamstring)
• Samantha Wood (back)