The Western Force is gearing up for an exciting start to the Super Rugby Women’s pre-season with a 27-player squad set to face Rugby Victoria this Sunday at Wanneroo Rugby Club. The team, which made it to the Super W finals for the first time last season, is strengthened by the addition of Wallaroos stars Sera Naiqama and Cecilia Smith, who joined during the off-season.
Naiqama and Smith will be key players in the starting lineup, joined by new recruits Grace Freeman and Halley Derera, who will take on the roles of fly-half and full-back, respectively. All three were part of the victorious Sydney University team in last year’s Jack Scott Cup.
Hannah Palelei, the reigning Force Rising Star, will team up with Wallaroos Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke and Alapeta Ngauamo in the front row. Naiqama will also partner with Wallaroos captain Michaela Leonard in the locks, adding experience and strength to the team.
Returning to the back row is foundation player Taylor Waterson, who will play alongside Anneka Stephens and Pia Tapsell. At scrum-half, Georgia Cormick will pair with playmaker Freeman, while Haylee Hifo and Brooklyn Teki-Joyce take the wings, completing the back three with Derera. The midfield will feature an all-star Wallaroos duo, Trilleen Pomare and Smith.
The Force’s bench includes 12 reserves, featuring new additions like Loretta Mailangi, Allana Sikimeti, Adi Vani Buleki, and Sam Treherne, alongside local talents Zoe Elliott, Nami Dickson, and Ngamihi Monk. Sikimeti and Treherne bring Wallaroos experience, while Mailangi and Buleki add international flair, with Buleki transitioning from Fiji’s Olympic Sevens to 15-a-side rugby.
The match kicks off at 11 am with free entry, offering fans a chance to see the action live. Although there won’t be a live stream, updates will be available on the Western Force’s social media channels. Don’t miss this thrilling pre-season trial game as the Force takes on Rugby Victoria.
Read more: https://westernforce.rugby/news/western-force-womens-team-list-victoria-202527
