After a fortnight of trials at Ballymore the Queensland Women’s XV extended training squad has been named ahead of the 2019 Super W season.
A total 50 players have been named in the squad, with 18 players from last year’s final squad returning for 2019.
A host of new talent trialled for selection, as well as a number of returning former Queensland representatives.
In the forwards, Wallaroos player of the 2017 Women’s World Cup, Hilisha Samoa, returns to the fold after a year away from Rugby, as well as Australian Defence Force lock Alisha Hewett. In the backs Toni Tupuhi, who last played for Queensland in 2011, has been named in the outside backs.
Talent has also emerged from the grassroots ranks, with new faces pushing for inclusion in the final squad. GPS duo Tessa Vaogo and Elli Mackay, who were impressive in the Gallopers run to their first ever Women’s grand final earlier in 2018 have both been named, as well as Sunshine Coast pair Maeriana Tumai (University of the Sunshine Coast) and Kayla Sadlier (Caloundra).
Wallaroos lock Millie Boyle, who was one of the standouts of the 2017 World Cup, also returns to the squad having missed the 2018 campaign through injury after making the move to Queensland from Bega.
The coaching staff for the 2019 season has also been finalised, with Sunnybank’s Moana Virtue returning to the role of head coach after missing the inaugural Super W campaign due to Wallaroos coaching duties.
Virtue, a former Queensland representative herself, will be assisted by the Gold Coast’s Setu Naseri, who was recently announced the head coach of Bond University’s AON University Sevens program.
Jono Ward will join the side as Strength and Conditioning coach, having previously worked with both Sunnybank’s men’s and women’s programs as well as Griffith University Sevens.
Virtue is excited by the squad that’s been assembled ahead of 2019.
“It’s great to be back at Ballymore preparing for the 2019 Super W and we’ve put together a strong squad,” said Virtue.
“We have a lot of returning players from the inaugural 2018 season and we’ve also welcomed a lot experience with the likes of Hilisha Samoa, Alisha Hewett, Millie Boyle and Toni Tupuhi re-joining the group.
“The trials have also provided us with a chance to unearth some new talent. We had players emerge from the local Brisbane competition as well as regionally, and we’ve also had some players from other sports come and take part.
“We have a large training squad to work with right now, which we’ll reduce closer to the start of the season.
“Personally I’m excited to be back coaching the Queensland side. We have a strong squad and I’m looking forward to working with the players and coaching staff as we continue to build the Super W program.”
2019 Queensland Women's XV Super W Extended Training Squad:
Props
Hilisha Samoa – Brothers
Hana Ngaha – Sunnybank
Toa Filimoehala – Brothers
Bree-Anna Cheatham – Wests
Otolose Christina Sekona – Sunnybank
Maryanne Fuimaono – Sunnybank
Petasi Elaina Saluni – Brothers
Ana Fotu – University of Queensland
Wynona Baice – Wests
Caroline Fairs – GPS
Hookers
Liz Patu – Wests
Ivy Kaleta – Sunnybank
Averyl Mitchell – University of Queensland
Maeriana Tumai – University of the Sunshine Coast Barbarians
Locks
Kiri Lingman – Sunnybank
Moega Wright – GPS
Alisha Hewett – GPS/Australian Defence Force
Saxon Campbell – Redlands
Annabelle Codey – Wests
Ashlee Knight – Wests
Backrow
Shannon Mato – Sunnybank
Tessa Vaoga – GPS
Millie Boyle – Bond University
Vetekina Aho – Sunnybank
Kirby Sefo – Sunnybank
Natassja Purontakanen – University of Queensland
Amelia Brown – Redlands
Scrumhalf
Cobie-Jane Morgan – Sunnybank
Asako Ono – University of Queensland
Ayane Hirata – Sunnybank
Flyhalf
Lavina Gould – Wests
Fenella Hake – Redlands
Centres
Eseta Aho – Sunnybank
Cecilia Smith – Brothers
Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea – Sunnybank
Danielle Close - GPS/Australian Defence Force
Elli Mackay – GPS
Kayla Sadlier – Caloundra Lighthouses
Bobbi Law – TBC
Maraea Tupai – Wests
Outside Backs
Ivania Wong – Sunnybank
Yolanda Gittins – Sunnybank
Alana Elisaia – Redlands
Emily Bass – Wests
Lori Cramer – University of Queensland
Toni Tupuhi – Sunnybank
Eilidah Rebecca Sinclair – Sunnybank
Samantha Treherne – Sunnybank
Eloise Schlect – Sunnybank
Kelsey Miller – Redlands
Coaching Staff
Head Coach – Moana Virtue (Sunnybank)
Assistant Coach – Setu Naseri (Bond University)
Program head/Set-piece coach – Tyrell Barker (QRU)
Strength & Conditioning Coach – Jono Ward (Sunnybank)
Manager – Felicity Bennetts (Wests)
Physio – Linda Bennetts (Wests)
Media Manager – Brendan Hertel (QRU)
