Western Force lock in 13-Test Wallaroo and rising star for 2026

Rising star Hannah Pelelei and 13-Test Wallaroos lock Sera Naiqama have re-signed with the Western Force for the 2026 Super Rugby Women’s season, which sees the club’s squad list increase to 12 players after several updates.

Naiqama made the move west ahead of the 2025 Super W campaign, following a memorable six-season stint with the NSW Waratahs. The second-rower played a key role in the most famous dynasty in competition history, having won four titles with the Tahs.

After joining the Force, Naiqama went on to start every match that season, which included a try-scoring appearance against the Fijian Drua in round three. The forward formed a reliable second-row pairing with former Wallaroos skipper Michaela Leonard.

In the international arena, Naiqama last represented Australia during a six-point win over Wales during the inaugural WXV tournament in 2023. The Wallaroo also spent time abroad in New Zealand’s Super Rugby Aupiki with Matatu in 2023.

“Sez is another important signing. She brings a lot of experience and leadership and adds plenty to the forward pack,” coach Dylan Parsons said.

“She’s also a great character for our group. She makes things light when they need to be and enjoyable when they need to be. She works hard when she needs to as well.

“She’s an important member of our group. The young tight five players look up to her and she adds a lot of Super W experience to complement the other locks like Michaela (Leonard).

“This is another important signing for us to retain Sera for another season.”

Another valuable member of this Force roster is 25-year-old Palelei, who was crowned the club’s 2024 Rising Star after progressing through the pathway system. Palelei debuted for the Force in 2023 but has continued to improve with each appearance.

The front-rower has made featured in nine matches for the Force, including three appearances during the 2025 season. The Force qualified for the playoffs after finishing the round-robin with a 1-2-1 record, having drawn with the ACT Brumbies 29-all in the opening round.

In round two, the Force fell agonisingly short of what would’ve been a famous victory against eventual champions the Waratahs in Sydney. The Force’s sole win in 2025 was in round three against the Fijian Drua, securing a 47-31 triumph.

“Hannah is a local product who is gaining confidence and experience every season,” Parsons added.

“Front row is such a tough position to keep learning and she’s really committed to it.

“Hannah has worked really hard. She’s been patient. She’s a great character for our group and one we keep supporting and developing.

“We’re excited to see how she progresses for next season and years to come.”

The Force have previously announced re-signing updates for Samantha Wood, Braxton Walker, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce, Alapeta Ngauamo, Ngamihi Monk, Hera-Barb Malcolm Hee, Michaela Leonard, Nicole Ledington and Grace Freeman.

Wallaroos hooker Katalina Amosa is also making the move west after a breakout season in 2025, which saw the front-rower debut for the national side and represent Australia at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.