The NSW Waratahs women kick off their 2023 Super W campaign against the Western Force and return to Allianz Stadium for the first time since their inaugural Grand Final win in 2018.
Waratahs Head Coach Campbell Aitken has named a team featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. Aitken has named nine potential debutants in his match-day 23 with two in the run-on side.
After narrowly going down to the Drua in last year’s Grand Final, Aitken’s team have their eyes set firmly on reclaiming their crown.
In the front row, Bridie O’Gorman and Adiana Talakai provide plenty of stability and experience and join Brianna Hoy who has had a very strong pre-season.
Ana-Lise Sio partners with debutant Rosie Ebbage in the second row. Meanwhile, Grace Hamilton returns from her stint at Montpellier in France forming a formidable backrow alongside Fi Jones at openside and Captain, Piper Duck packing in at number 8.
Layne Morgan forms a brand-new halves partnership with Ella Ryan who makes her debut at fly-half.
Katrina Barker will be teaming up with Wallaroos 2022 player of the year Georgina Friedrichs to create an intimidating centre pair.
Aitken has named two of the competition's most lethal wingers, with Margot Vella (8 tries in 10 matches), joining Wallaroos teammate Maya Stewart who returns from an ACL injury that ruled her out of the 2022 Super W Season.
Stewart will play for the Waratahs for the first time in 629 days, where she will look to pick up right where she left off and continue her incredible try-scoring ability (19 tries in just 11 games) on the wing.
Caitlyn Halse the youngest player on the field (16 years old) will make her debut at fullback.
Wallaroo Emily Robinson will be influential off the bench alongside star veteran Iliseva Batibasaga who is the replacement scrumhalf.
Katalina Amosa, Georgia Chapple, 16 year old Bronte Wilson, Leilani Nathan, Desiree Miller and Jade Sheridan will make their debut as reserves.
Aitken spoke about his starting debutants.
“I’m excited for Rosie and Ella, all throughout pre-season they have been displaying a lot of talent and commitment to the game and now they have an opportunity to show us what they can do which is really exciting”.
“Force are always a tough physical team, but we just need to stick to what we know, play fast and minimise handling errors,” Aitken said in regard to his team's challenges this week.
The NSW Waratahs kick-off at 5:05 pm at Allianz Stadium this Friday. We invite all supporters to come out and show their support as they begin their Buildcorp Super W campaign -tickets here
Team
- Brianna Hoy - 2 caps
- Adiana Talakai - 11 caps
- Bridie O'Gorman - 14 caps
- Ana-Lise Sio - 12 caps
- Rosie Ebbage - Debut
- Grace Hamilton - 23 caps
- Fi Jones - 14 caps
- Piper Duck - 11 caps
- Layne Morgan - 13 caps
- Ella Ryan - Debut
- Margot Vella - 10 caps
- Katrina Barker - 20 caps
- Georgina Friedrichs - 12 caps
- Maya Stewart - 12 caps
- Caitlyn Halse - Debut
- Katalina Amosa - Debut
- Emily Robinson - 20 caps
- Georgia Chapple - Debut
- Bronte Wilson - Debut
- Leilani Nathan - Debut
- Iliseva Batibasaga - 22 caps
- Jade Sheridan - Debut
- Desiree Miller - Debut
