The Wallaroos become the latest nation (4 August) to announce their squad for the 2025 RWC (full list below).
For Jo Yapp it marks a last fling in charge. We wish her and the squad all the best for the tournament.
Then comes the question: what next for the head coach? She couldn’t possibly become the only woman in charge of a PWR club? Surely it’s a Gentlemen’s Club only!
Points of interest
It’s excellent news that two vital cogs in the Oz machine, Charlotte Caslick and Brianna Hoy, have recovered from injuries suffered in the last outing against the Black Ferns.
The squad has experience: 17 were present at the previous RWC.
It’s a good sign that Yapp has included only one uncapped player, Caitlyn Unwin, a 25-year-old winger. (She faces a tough challenge to gain a starting spot). A World Cup is not the best place to trial promising newcomers.
Annabelle Codey sets an unusual record: she becomes one half of the first father/daughter pairing to appear at an RWC. Dad David took part in the 1987 version.
The Outlook
The Wallaroos face these pool-stage matches: 1 v Samoa, 2 v USA, 3 v England.
The crucial game will be against the Eagles. If they get through that, they can look forward to the knock-outs.
They have a habit of producing their best form on the biggest occasions.
The Squad
KATALINA AMOSA
BREE-ANNA BROWNE
CHARLOTTE CASLICK
EMILY CHANCELLOR
ANNABELLE CODEY
LORI CRAMER
PIPER DUCK
WALARIA ELLIS
ASHLEY FERNANDEZ
GEORGINA FRIEDRICHS
CAITLYN HALSE
TIA HINDS
BRIANNA HOY
ASOLVA KARPANI
LYDIA KAVOA
KAITLYN LEANEY
MICHAELA LEONARD
ASHLEY MARSTERS
DESIREE MILLER
FAITALA MOLEKA
LAYNE MORGAN
TANIA NADEN
BRIDIE O’GORMAN
SIOKAPESI PALU
FALIKA POHINA
TRILEEN POMARE
CECILIA SMITH
MAYA STEWART
ADIANA TALAKAI
TABUA TUINAKAUVADRA
CAITLIN UNWIN
SAMANTHA WOOD
