17-year-old set for historic Wallaroos debut against Black Ferns

Teenage sensation Waiaria Ellis will become the second-youngest debutant in Wallaroos history, named to start on the right wing ahead of this weekend’s Laurie O’Reilly Cup Test against the Black Ferns at Wellington’s Sky Stadium.

At 17 years and 305 days old, Ellis falls about 60 days short of the record set by Caitlyn Halse in 2024. Along with NSW Waratahs backrower Ruby Anderson, the youngest-ever trio will have all debuted for the Wallaroos within a 12-month gap under coach Jo Yapp.

Yapp has named Ellis on the wing, linking up with Waratahs speedster Desiree Miller and 20-cap playmaker Faitala Moleka in the outside backs. Trilleen Pomare and HSBC SVNS Series star Charlotte Caslick will combine in a new-look midfield pairing.

Libbok on his goal kicking

Libbok on his goal kicking

33-Test Wallaroo Layne Morgan has earned yet another start under Yapp in the No. 9 jersey, with the halfback named in the starting side alongside Australia Sevens ace Tia Hinds in the halves. This will be Hinds’ second start at fly-half and fourth Test appearance overall.

In the forwards, Faliki Pohiva joins experienced front-rowers Tania Naden and Bridie O’Gorman up front. Former Wallaroos skipper Michalea Leonard joins Kaitlan Leaney in the second row, with those forwards making up the starting tight five.

Captain Siokapesi Palu starts at blindside flanker, with the most-experienced Wallaroo ever Ashley Marsters named at openside. The other member of the loose forwards trio is powerful No. 8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra.

“We’re all really pleased for Waiaria, she has been involved in our camps for a while now and came out with us to WXV in South Africa last year,” Yapp said in a statement.

“She has an excellent skillset and her youthfulness has a great effect on the playing group. We are confident in her ability to take the next step at this level.

“We also welcome back Piper Duck, Lydia Kavoa, Sammy Wood and Annabelle Codey, who are all great inclusions for us at this time of the year.

“Our World Cup preparations are well and truly underway and we have been really impressed with how the players are stepping up at training.”

On the bench, experienced Test regulars Adiana Talakai, Eva Karpani and Emily Chancellor have all been named. Former Wallaroos captain Piper Duck is also set to return to the Test arena, with the backrower wearing the No. 20 jumper.

Georgina Freidrcihs is one of seven players unavailable for this Test, with the world-renowned midfielder missing the Test dude to personal reasons.

This Test at Wellington’s Sky Stadium will get underway at 2:30 pm AEST on Saturday.

Wallaroos team to take on Black Ferns

1. Faliki Pohiva (#219 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 2 caps
2. Tania Naden (#197 – Uni-North Owls) – 22 caps
3. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 – Sydney University) – 30 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 – CSU Marlins) – 28 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (#168 – Tuggeranong Vikings) – 36 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu (c) (#194 – Rockdale Rangers) – 20 caps
7. Ashley Marsters (#117 – Boroondara) – 38 caps
8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 – Orange Emus) – 15 caps
9. Layne Morgan (#188 – Merewether Carlton) – 33 caps
10. Tia Hinds (#222 – Randwick) – 3 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 – Eastern Suburbs) – 16 caps
12. Trilleen Pomare (#155 – Wanneroo) – 37 caps
13. Charlotte Caslick (#220 – Wests Bulldogs) – 4 caps
14. Waiaria Ellis (Blacktown Scorpions)* – debut
15. Faitala Moleka (#199 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 20 caps

Reserves

16. Adiana Talakai (#182 – Sydney University) – 17 caps
17. Lydia Kavoa (#214 – Eastern Suburbs) – 6 caps
18. Asoiva (Eva) Karpani (#171 – Southern Suburbs) – 35 caps
19. Annabelle Codey (#189 – Easts Brisbane) – 5 caps
20. Piper Duck (#185 – Tumut Bullettes) – 15 caps
21. Emily Chancellor (#158 – Sydney University) – 27 caps
22. Samantha Wood (#207 – Kalamunda Rugby) – 4 caps
23. Cecilia Smith (#190 – Leeton Dianas) – 22 caps