New Zealand Kiwi Ferns player Raecene McGregor Photo: NRL Images / photosport
The Kiwi Ferns are looking to make an impact in their upcoming Pacific Championships campaign, and head coach Ricky Henry has stacked his side accordingly.
The 30th rendition of the Kiwi Ferns is a formidable lineup, featuring a healthy balance of continuity and fresh blood. All 21 players have had superlative NRLW seasons, which have set them up strongly to contest and go one better for this campaign.
Bolstering the side is the talented Raecene McGregor, who returns after a sabbatical in 2024. She is joined by fellow veterans Georgia Hale and Apii Nicholls, with the experienced trio boasting an impressive combined 20 campaigns in the black jersey.
"Those three [Hale, McGregor, and Nicholls] are cornerstones for our team. Their experience is second to none and invaluable at Test level," said Henry.
The Cowboys NRLW Head Coach is also looking forward to seeing the five rookies take their opportunity.
"It's a nod to who we see representing us at next year's World Cup. We're always looking ahead to that target, but performing well in the Pacific Championship is key for us. It will be a true test to see where we are at, and we can't wait to see what this group does on the field."
Four of the new faces hail from the recently revived Warriors NRLW team: centre Tysha Ikenasio, prop Ivana Lauitiiti, five-eighth Patricia Maliepo, and Shakira Baker, who will vie for a start in the second row with fellow newcomer, Bulldogs Shaniece Monschau.
The Kiwi Ferns will kick off their campaign against Fetu Samoa at Mt Smart on 19 October, before a rematch of last year's final against Australia at Eden Park to earn their place for the decider in Sydney.
2025 Kiwi Ferns Squad:
1. Abigail Roache (North Queensland Cowboys)
2. Alexis Tauaneai (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
3. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
4. Annessa Biddle (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
5. Apii Nicholls (New Zealand Warriors)
6. Ashleigh Quinlan (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
7. Brianna Clark (Brisbane Broncos)
8. Brooke Anderson (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
9. Georgia Hale (Gold Coast Titans, Co-Captain)
10. Ivana Lauitiiti* (New Zealand Warriors)
11. Leianne Tufuga (Canberra Raiders)
12. Mele Hufanga (Brisbane Broncos)
13. Otesa Pule (Sydney Roosters)
14. Patricia Maliepo* (New Zealand Warriors)
15. Raecene McGregor (St. George Illawarra Dragons, Co-Captain)
16. Shakira Baker* (New Zealand Warriors)
17. Shaniece Monschau* (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
18. Shanice Parker (Newcastle Knights)
19. Tiana Davison (Newcastle Knights)
20. Tyla King (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
21. Tysha Ikenasio* (New Zealand Warriors)
*Denotes debutant
Wider Squad:
1. Jasmin Strange (Sydney Roosters)
2. Mackenzie Wiki (Canberra Raiders)
3. Matekino Gray (New Zealand Warriors)
4. Moana Courtenay (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
5. Payton Takimoana (New Zealand Warriors)
6. Tenika Willison (Newcastle Knights)
7. Trinity Tauaneai (St. George Illawarra Dragons)
8. Martha Mataele (Parramatta Eels)
Unavailable for selection:
Brooke Talataina (Wests Tigers) - Injured
Gayle Broughton (Brisbane Broncos) - Personal
Amber Hall (Sydney Roosters) - Samoa
Jasmine Solia (Gold Coast Titans) - Injured
