Four rookies set to make their Wallaroos debut

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has selected four newcomers for the team’s upcoming Test against Fijiana in Sydney.

Biola Dawa, Allana Sikimeti, and Lydia Kavoa from ACT Brumbies, along with Natalie Wright, are poised to make their debut for the Wallaroos at Allianz Stadium.

These four players were part of an extended Wallaroos squad that trained in Canberra for five days before relocating to Sydney earlier this week in preparation for Saturday’s match.

The Wallaroos’ starting lineup features captain Michaela Leonard, alongside Piper Duck, Eva Karpani, Kaitlan Leaney, and Atasi Lafai in the forward pack, while Lori Cramer returns to the fullback position.

Karpani and Arabella McKenzie are set to mark significant milestones with their 25th caps as the Wallaroos aim for their first Test victory of the year.

“It’s great to be back in Sydney, and the players are putting in a lot of effort to deliver a strong performance against Fiji,” Yapp commented.

“Our team has been progressing well, and we’re eager to see their performance on the field.

“I want to congratulate Allana, Biola, Lydia, and Nat on earning their first Test caps, and recognize Eva and Arabella as they approach their milestone appearances.”

Notable winger Maya Stewart and front-rower Ashley Marsters are unavailable due to injuries.

Dawa, originally from Wagga Wagga, represented the University of Canberra in the 2018 AON Uni Sevens series before joining the Brumbies in Super W as a teenager. She replaces Stewart, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, ensuring the Wallaroos maintain their pace on the flanks.

Sikimeti, a promising young forward who recently turned 20, was part of the Queensland Reds system before moving to Canberra.

Kavoa, aged 30, discovered her passion for rugby during her more than decade-long career in the navy. She competed for the navy in the ADF Tri-service competition at Ballymore Stadium before signing with the Brumbies.

Wright has shown impressive progress in 15s despite facing multiple injury setbacks while transitioning from the Australian sevens system.

The 21-year-old has played various roles since moving to the longer format of the game and will add attacking flair alongside Layne Morgan.

The Test match will be part of a double-header with the Wallabies-Wales clash on Saturday night in Sydney.

Wallaroos squad: Brianna Hoy, Tania Naden, Eva Karpani, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard (capt), Atasi Lafai, Leilani Nathan, Piper Duck, Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Biola Dawa, Lori Cramer. Reserves: Tiarna Molloy, Allana Sikimeti, Bridie O’Gorman, Siokapesi Palu, Lydia Kavoa, Natalie Wright, Trilleen Pomare, Faitala Moleka.