Stacey Waaka named in Kiwi Ferns Cup squad
Crosscode superstar Stacey Waaka will add to her lengthy sporting legacy, when she pulls on the Kiwi Ferns jersey at the Rugby League World Cup over the next two months.
The twice Olympic sevens gold medallist and two-time Rugby World Cup champion will join former sevens teammate Tenika Willison in the NZ women’s squad for the league showcase, among seven newcomers to coach Ricky Henry’s roster.
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Waaka dipped her foot in the NRLW water two seasons ago, when she was named Dally M Wing of the Year with Brisbane Broncos, but returned to the 13-a-side game this year with NZ Warriors, scoring nine tries in 10 appearances on the wing or centre.
Headlined by former Dally M Medallist Raecene McGregor, Henry’s 23-strong group features Sydney Roosters prop Otesa Pule, fresh from her starting role in an NRLW championship.
“We are really excited for this campaign,” Henry said. “The depth of Kiwi talent we had to select from made this a tough decision, but we have absolute faith in these women we have named to pull on the jersey this year.
“The way our last World Cup ended has lit the fire and hunger to go one better this time, and I believe we have the team to do that.”
New Zealand lead much of their 10-8 loss to Australia in pool play at York four years ago, but had no answer in the tournament final, bowing 54-4.
The Ferns benefit from four players changing their international allegiances, with Channon Mato and Zahara Temara switching from Australia, and Chanty Kiria-Ratu and Kaiyah Atai arriving from Cook Islands.
They kick off their World Cup campaign against Fiji on October 18.
The full Kiwi Ferns squad is:
Brooke Anderson, Kaiya Atai, Annessa Biddle, Brianna Clark, Georgia Hale, Mele Hufunga, Chantay Kiria-Ratu, Ivan Lauitiiti, Shannon Mato, Raecene McGregor, Shaniece Maschau, Apii Nicholls, Shanice Parker, Otesa Pule, Ashleigh Quinlan, Abigail Roache, Alexis Tauaneai, Trinity Tauaneai, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Zahara Temara, Leianne Tufuga, Stacey Waaka, Tenika Willison
