Wallaroos name six potential debutants in first team of 2026

Australia Sevens star Sid Taylor is one of six potential debutants in the Wallaroos matchday 23 to take on Fijiana on Friday, while two players with at least 40 Test appearances have been named on the bench.

More than 190 days after their quarter-final exit at last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, the Wallaroos start their new era this week at Canberra’s GIO Stadium. Siokapesi Palu Sekona will continue to captain the side under interim head coach Sam Needs.

Western Force duo Nicole Ledington and Brookyln-Teki Joyce join Taylor as the three debutants in the run-on side. Ledington starts at fly-half, Joyce has been named on the left wing, and Taylor partners Cecilia Smith in the halves.

NSW Waratahs rake Brittany Merlo, Lily Bone from the Western Force and Australia Sevens ace Piper Simons could also make their first Wallaroos appearances after being named on the bench, which otherwise boasts incredible depth.

Eva Karpani and Michaela Leonard are among the handful of players who have represented the Wallaroos in at least 40 Tests. Those two have been named on the bench, while Bridie O’Gorman and Emily Chancellor are the most experienced Wallaroos in the run-on side.

O’Gorman has been named at tighthead prop, joining Brianna Hoy and Adiana Talakai in the front row. 35-Test lock Kaitlan Leaney will pack down alongside Ashley Fernandez as the two starting second rowers.

The Wallaroos have turned to the backrow trio that starred at last year’s Rugby World Cup, with captain Palu Sekona and Chancellor lining up on the flanks, and 22-Test loose forward Piper Duck has been picked at No. 8.

Samanatha Wood joins debutant Ledington in the halves, while Smith and Taylor form a new-look centre pairing. Teki-Joyce and Maya Stewart are the starting wingers, while Faitala Moleka rounds out the side at fullback.

Simons, Georgia Friedrichs and Desiree Miller will provide backline cover off the pine.

“We’ve had a great 12 days in camp so far and that made selections across the board a healthy headache for the coaches,” Needs said.

“We are really pleased to be able to give six players potential debuts this weekend and are excited to see them take the next step in their rugby journeys.

“Fijiana will provide a strong and physical challenge for us ahead of the Pacific Four series and we are looking forward to our first Test of the year.”

This match at Canberra’s GIO Stadium will get underway at 4:55pm on Friday afternoon. It’s part of a double-header with a Super Rugby Pacific clash between the ACT Brumbies and the NSW Waratahs.

Wallaroos to take on Fijiana

1. Brianna Hoy (#203 – NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 9 caps
2. Adiana Talakai (#182 – NSW Waratahs/Maroubra Magic) – 21 caps
3. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 – NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 37 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 – NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 35 caps
5. Ashley Fernandez (#221 – ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 6 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) (#194 – ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 23 caps
7. Emily Chancellor (#158 – NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 34 caps
8. Piper Duck (#185 – NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 22 caps
9. Samantha Wood (#207 – Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby Club) – 11 caps
10. Nicole Ledington (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby Club)* – debut
11. Brooklyn Teki-Joyce (Western Force/West Scarborough)* – debut
12. Cecilia Smith (#190 – Western Force/Leeton Dianas) – 28 caps
13. Sidney Taylor (Queensland Reds/Wests Bulldogs)* – debut
14. Maya Stewart (#196 – NSW Waratahs/Nelson Bay Gropers) – 22 caps
15. Faitala Moleka (#199 – ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 26 caps

Replacements

16. Brittany Merlo (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University)* – debut
17. Faliki Pohiva (#219 – NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 7 caps
18. Eva Karpani (#171 – Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 41 caps
19. Michaela Leonard (#168 – Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 42 caps
20. Lily Bone (ACT Brumbies/Orange City)* – debut
21. Piper Simons (NSW Waratahs/Gordon Rugby Club)* – debut
22. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 – NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 38 caps
23. Desiree Miller (#204 – NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 23 caps