Ava Wereta is stepping up as the polished midfield figure that the Queensland Reds need to make their mark on the Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s season.
Wereta and Samoan international Harmony Vatau are a key centre partnership in the game plan that the Reds will take to Perth on Saturday.
Tackling the Western Force has snapped all minds onto a major challenge that the Reds are looking forward to.
In the team line-up named today, there are changes in the tight five, the return from injury for experienced Wallaroos fullback Lori Cramer and the recall of Briana Dascombe on the wing.
At just 20, Wereta’s composure and skills at inside centre have already shone in the formative part of the season.
Her recent debut for the Wallaroos has also infused her game with extra confidence.
Wereta’s defence, ball work and forcing penalties with her knack for a jackal were all part of an impressive showing in the 15-12 loss to the ACT Brumbies in the opening round.
How the team has responded since that loss has impressed Head Coach Andrew Fraser.
“It was a tough loss and the girls took it hard. I’ll commend the whole squad for the way they’ve applied themselves since,” Fraser said.
“The players have talked about proving ourselves but that’s to no one else but themselves.
“There’s a resolve there. The Force are a full-time training program and we are part-time. We are looking forward to turning up and showing what we are capable of.”
Wereta’s resolve is typical: “Little execution mistakes hurt us against the Brumbies. We know we are a better team than that.”
Wereta said her two Tests for the Wallaroos had got 2026 off to a flying start.
“I’m beyond grateful for those opportunities so quickly and I want to show what I’ve learnt playing for the Reds,” she said.
The Coomera Crushers product complements the strong, physical ball-carries that mark Vatau’s game.
“Ava is a talented and mentally-strong player. Her abilities to bring pace to a game, tackle, jackal and combine so well with Harmony are real assets for us,” Fraser said.
"Harmony has a power and brutality to her game. Ava has finesse and game speed. It's a nice combo.
“Ava was on the cusp of Australian sevens a few years ago and has now come across to 15-a-side. We all see a big future for her.”
Up front, 2025 Wallaroos prop Bree-Anna Browne and Black Ferns prop Tanya Kalounivale will start on Saturday with hooker Zophronia Setu.
Power-running Vineta Teutau is back as a starting lock beside high workrate Bond University forward Lucy Thorpe.
Cramer’s return adds an extra ball-playing option beside flyhalf Akira Kelly.
“Such is the way the game thinks of Lori she has been invited to play for the Barbarians in London (June 27). We are excited to have her experience on board for Perth,” Fraser said.
University of Queensland prop Hayley Glass has been included on the bench for a potential Reds debut.
Wanneroo Rugby Club, Perth
4:05pm, Saturday
Watch Live on Stan Sport
1 Bree-Anna Browne - Brothers
2 Zophronia Setu - University of Queensland
3 Tanya Kalounivale - GPS
4 Lucy Thorpe - Bond University
5 Vineta Teutau – Brothers
6 Jemma Bemrose (c) - Bond University
7 Zoe Hanna - Bond University
8 Tiarna Molloy - Brothers
9 Sarah Dougherty - GPS
10 Akira Kelly - Bond University
11 Piper Flynn - Easts
12 Ava Wereta - Bond University
13 Harmony Vatau - Sunnybank
14 Briana Dascombe - Easts
15 Lori Cramer - University of Queensland
16 Mary Tuaana - Wests
17 Hayley Glass* - University of Queensland
18 Eva Karpani - Bond University
19 Deni Ross - Brothers
20 Dillyn Blackburn - Wests
21 Evie Sampson - Bond University
22 Aroha Spillane - University of Queensland
23 Kaelyn Passi - Bond University
*Potential Reds debut
