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Matt Blyth / Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 19: Honey Hireme-Smiler of New Zealand scores a try during the Women’s Rugby League World Cup 3rd round 9s match between New Zealand and England at Bankwest Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt Blyth / Getty Images)
Honey Hireme-Smiler has been named to the Kiwi Ferns team for Saturday’s game against the Fetu Samoa Invitational, but Georgia Hale will not be participating.
Hireme-Smiler missed the entire NRLW season for the Warriors, but was forced to miss due to a knee injury.
However, he recovered in time to play Saturday’s game at Mt Smart Stadium.
Hale is not available to the Kiwi Ferns as he chose to remain in Australia after the Warriors ended their NRLW campaign, to collect the Veronica White Medal on the day of the Grand Final.
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Due to this, he was unable to complete his two weeks in quarantine in time to play.
New head coach Ricky Henry has named 11 rookies for the game. The Kiwi Ferns team contains players from the inaugural Sky Sport Women’s Premiership and NZRL Women’s Championship, as well as seasoned and returning Kiwi Ferns from the NRLW Warriors campaign.
Highlights from the Women’s National Championship who have earned their debuts include Upper Central Stallion’s Autumn Stephens and Mya Terehia Hill-Moana.
Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Georgia Hale stayed in Australia after the Warriors’ NRLW season.
Stephens was crowned MVP of the Women’s National Championship and Mya Terehia Hill-Moana earned herself MVP of the Women’s Championship final where the Stallions took a 12-10 victory over the Auckland Vulcans.
Auckland Vulcan’s Lavinia Tauhalaliku and Shannon Muru have also earned their debut spots.
Outside of Sky Sport’s Women’s Premiership, Manukau County champions Kere Matua and Christyl Stowers make their debut, as well as Premiership MVP Harata Butler and Grand Final MVP Kararaina Wira-Kohu.
Akarana is fronting three of Kiwi Fern’s 11 debutantes in Karli Hansen, Katelyn Vaha’akolo and Sharliz White.
Experienced Kiwi Fern names return to the team, including Counties star fullback Amber Kani, captain Krystal Rota and unstoppable forward Maitua Feterika, who impressed the Stingrays during Premiership competition.
Kiwi Ferns wing resilient Julianna Newman returns after knee surgery, impressing with Akarana’s colors and Kiwi Fern veteran Honey Hireme-Smiler is back after missing the NRWL Warriors campaign due to to injury.
Crystal Tamarua and Kanyon Paul also join the Warriors’ team of 19 newcomers from the NRLW campaign.
“I want to congratulate those selected for our next International against Samoa,” said Henry.
“It is a proud moment to wear the shirt in black and white, especially for those making their debut in front of family and friends.
“I have been encouraged by performances in the Sky Sport Premiership, National Championship and NRLW competition.
“There is an exciting mix of fresh talent and seasoned leadership on this team and it was not an easy task to shrink the larger team to 19. The women’s game is strong and there is depth throughout the park – all positive signs as we move into 2021 “. World Cup.”
The Kiwi Ferns last faced Fetū Samoa in June 2019, where they won a convincing 34-14 victory.
The game is part of a double title. The women of Tonga will face the women of Niue at 2 pm, followed by the Kiwi Ferns v Fetu Samoa Invitational at 4 pm.
TAKE A LOOK
Kiwi Ferns Squad
- Amber Kani – Counties
- Autumn Stephens – Upper Central
- Charlottle Scanlan – Akarana
- Christyl Stowers – Counties
- Crystal Tamarua – Warriors
- Butler of Harata – Counties
- Honey Hireme-Smiler – Upper Central
- Juliana Newman by Akarana
- Canyon Paul – Warriors
- Caroline Wheel-Mist – Counties
- Karli Hansen – Akarana
- Kere Matua – Counties
- Katelyn Vaha’akolo – Akarana
- Krystal Rota – Counties
- Lavinia Tauhalaliku – Auckland Vulcans
- Maitua Feterika – Counties
- Mya Terehia Hill-Moana – Upper Central
- Shannon Muru – Auckland Vulcans
- Sharliz White – Akarana
