Raecene McGregor returns to co-captain the side with Georgia Hale. Photo: NRL Images / photosport
The Kiwi Ferns will blood four new caps in their side for the opening round of the Pacific Championships, three of which will become duel internationals.
Coach Ricky Henry has named Ivana Laui'iti, Olympic sevens gold medalist Tysha Ikenasio, and former Black Ferns Shakira Baker and Patricia Maliepo for the first of the Mount Smart double-header on Sunday.
Though they have four newcomers, the Kiwi Ferns aren't short on experience or leadership, boasting four NRLW captains, with Georgia Hale and Raecene McGregor named as co-skippers of the side.
"We've got leaders across the board, which is a luxury to have, the future bodes well for us."
That future looks even brighter when assessing the resumes of the so-called rookies.
Sevens World Cups, Super Rugby Aupiki titles, Commonwealth and Olympic medals are among the accolades won by the quartet of new caps.
Henry said they have integrated seamlessly into the international league environment.
"The leaders in our team have done a great job of just making sure that there's belief in the younger players coming through, they're all here for a reason, they've definitely got talent. It's about just making sure that they put it all together. I think we have no concerns with confidence in our group."
With eyes on next year's world cup, Henry said the Ferns are growing strongly ahead of the tournament.
"It's a really strong squad, really balanced, and I think they're all rearing the go."
The backline boasts plenty of firepower, including premiership winner Mele Hufuga, State of Origin star Shanice Parker and Warriors captain Apii Nicolls.
"Nicholls is a strike weapon for us, we have Tysha making her debut, which is really exciting. Mele and Abigail Roach are our dangers out wide along with Shanice. We get to see Patricia put on a black jersey as well, the stuff she does at training has been unbelievable, and we get to see why there's a lot of hype around her and what she can do with the ball."
Henry said that ball should be quality, having named a physical pack.
"We've got Brooke and Georgia who are very experienced campaigners and tough defenders who don't mind mixing it up with the bigger girls, and we've got a pack that will get us forward. I guess one of the most exciting players in the NRLW at the moment is Ivana, I know there's a lot of people waiting to see her."
Henry said while the Kiwi Ferns will carry the favourites tag, they will not be underestimating Fetu Samoa in what is expected to be a wet weather affair.
"We are treating them with a lot of respect and we expect the best from them to get the best out of us. We'll be focusing on getting this job done, whether it's rain, sun, whatever it may be. We've got to be ready to go on Sunday."
Co-captain Hale said the side connected quickly in camp.
"We did a little bit of work before we started NRLW, and I think it really set the tone early. We've been building now for a couple of seasons and I think it gets stronger every season."
Hale said she had noticed a rapid rise in the women's game since her Kiwi Ferns debut in 2015.
"When you look back a few years ago, we weren't able to pick completely from NRLW, whereas now, that is the engine where we all come through."
Kiwi Ferns side to play Fetu Samoa:
1. Apii Nicholls 2. Shanice Parker 3. Abigail Roache 4. Mele Hufuga 5. Tysha Ikensio* 6. Patricia Maliepo* 7. Raecene McGregor (Co-Captain) 8. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa 9. Brooke Anderson 10. Brianna Clarke 11. Annessa Biddle 12. Shakira Baker* 13. Georgia Hale (Co-Captain)
Interchange- 14. Ashleigh Quinlan 15. Otesa Pule 16. Alexis Tauaneai 17. Ivana Lauiti'iti* 18. Tiana Davidson.
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