[Women's World Cup] Kiwi Ferns named

Laura Mariu breaks through Brittany Breayley
Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns, women's international rugby league, New Zealand v Australia, GIO Stadium, Canberra, Australia. 5 May 2017, Copyright Image: Paul Seiser / www.photosport.nz

Author: Image , www.photosport.nz
Timestamp: Fri 13 Oct 2017, 10:50 AM

The Kiwi Ferns have been unveiled to prepare for their campaign to bring the Women’s Rugby League World Cup back to New Zealand.

The three-time champions (2000, 2005 and 2008) have been working hard for months to prepare for the tournament.

For the first time the selection process has included talent based in Australia, with a number of players making the trip to New Zealand to trial with their locally-based counterparts last weekend before the squad was selected.

“It has been exciting to see the lift in intensity at training and at the trials since we were able to commit more resources to the team,” said Kiwi Ferns coach Tony Benson.

"They have been working on their fitness levels with our trainers and Athlete Nation at the NZIS gym facilities and refining our nutrition with Lee-Anne Wann, our performance nutritionist, to prepare themselves for this campaign.

“All the players have really embraced the challenge and I am confident they will give the very best of themselves at this year’s tournament.”

Led by Laura Mariu, the Kiwi Ferns will head to Australia where they will play all their pool games in Sydney.

The women’s final will be played before the men’s final in Brisbane on December 2. All Kiwi Ferns games will screen live on SKY Sport.

NEW ZEALAND | THE KIWI FERNS

Racquel Anderson* (Manurewa Marlins Wahine)

Ngatokotoru Arakua (Papakura Sisters)

Sharlene Atai (Richmond Roses)

Maitua Feterika (Manurewa Marlins Wahine)

Teuila Fotu Moala (Otahuhu)

Louisa Gago* (Manurewa Marlins Wahine)

Georgia Hale (Richmond Roses) vice-captain

Honey Hireme (Papakura Sisters)