SVNS star Maddison Levi among four uncapped players in Wallaroos squad

HSBC SVNS Series phenomenon Maddison Levi could potentially debut for the Wallaroos against the Black Ferns in Auckland, having been selected as one of four uncapped players in the squad for the team’s upcoming 100^th international.

Levi is a try-scoring machine on the world’s premier circuit, with the former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year touching down for five points with practically every second touch of the ball, while facing Olympic-level opposition.

The 24-year-old, who is the all-time leading try-scorer for the Australia Women’s Sevens side and is second overall behind only New Zealand’s Michaela Brake (nee Blyde), could potentially play alongside teammates Tia Hinds, Alysia Lefau-Fakosilea and Bienne Terita in the XVs format.

NSW Waratahs Player of the Year Ameila Whitaker, Queensland Reds captain Jemma Bemrose and Western Force forward Pia Tapsell could also in line to potentially enter the Test arena for the first time on August 22.

Caitlyn Halse, who holds a unique place in the Wallaroos history books as the team’s youngest ever debutant, is back in the mix after overcoming an injury. Leilani Nathan, Allan Sikmeti and Hera-Barb Malcom have earned recalls to the top squad.

“Achieving big ambitions requires an army of purpose-driven, disciplined and focus athletes with a management team that provides an environment that maximises potential,” Director of Women’s High Performance Tim Walsh said.

“It is a fresh start for everyone involved in the Wallaroos program and this next campaign is our responsibility to set a platform on the road to 2029.

“In what should be a fantastic occasion for our 100th Test match, our promise to align both programs also starts with the inclusions of Maddison Levi, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea and Bienne Terita, who will add strike out wide.”

The Wallaroos are missing some big-name players for the clash with the Black Ferns, with the team’s reigning Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra unavailable. Georgina Friedrichs, Faliki Pohiva, Ella Ryan and Brookyln Teki Joyce will miss the Test as well.

Rugby Australia have confirmed that Sione Fukofuka will take over as Wallaroos head coach in 2027. But for now, Walsh joins Mike Ruthven, Reg Tayler, Ben Mowen and Duncan Chubb in the coaching group for the remainder of the 2026 season.

The Wallaroos will head off to Auckland on Thursday.

Wallaroos squad for New Zealand

• Jemma Bemrose* (Queensland Reds/Palm Beach Currumbin Alligators) – uncapped
• Lily Bone – #229 (ACT Brumbies/Orange City) – 3 caps
• Emily Chancellor – #158 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 37 caps
• Piper Duck – #185 (NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 26 caps
• Waiaria Ellis – #225 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 6 caps
• Martha Fua – #223 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 4 caps
• Caitlyn Halse – #210 (NSW Waratahs/Camden Rams) – 15 caps
• Tia Hinds – #222 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 10 caps
• Brianna Hoy – #203 (NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 13 caps
• Eva Karpani – #171 (Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 46 caps
• Kaitlan Leaney – #179 (NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 39 caps
• Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea – #170 (Queensland Reds/Sunnybank Dragons) – 4 caps
• Michaela Leonard – #168 (Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 47 caps
• Maddison Levi* (Australia Sevens/Bond University) – uncapped
• Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke – #209 (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby) – 3 caps
• Brittany Merlo – #230 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 3 caps
• Desiree Miller – #204 (NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 27 caps
• Faitala Moleka- #199 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 30 caps
• Tania Naden – #197 (ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 29 caps
• Leilani Nathan – #202 (NSW Waratahs/Hamilton Hawks) – 8 caps
• Bridie O’Gorman – #180 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 41 caps
• Siokapesi Palu Sekona – #194 (ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 27 caps
• Allana Sikimeti – #212 (Western Force/Norths Eagles Rugby) – 3 caps
• Piper Simons – #231 (NSW Waratahs/Gordon Rugby) – 3 caps
• Cecilia Smith – #190 (Western Force/Leeton Dianas) – 30 caps
• Maya Stewart – #196 (NSW Waratahs/Nelson Bay Gropers) – 26 caps
• Pia Tapsell* (Western Force/North Shore Rugby Club) – uncapped
• Bienne Terita – #195 (Australia Sevens/Randwick) – 6 caps
• Amelia Whitaker* (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – uncapped
• Samantha Wood – #207 (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby) – 15 caps

*denotes uncapped player