Wallaroos prop Bree-Anna Browne will make her long-awaited return in the Queensland Reds’ final dress rehearsal against Rugby Victoria before the Super Rugby Women’s season.
Browne has been thrust into the Reds lineup for Saturday’s trial in Melbourne following more than 12 months of rehab since a serious knee injury in the dying stages of Australia’s WXV1 win over Wales in November 2023.
Browne’s presence bolsters the Queensland forward pack for the clash at La Trobe University Sports Park at 10:30am AEST.
“I'm excited to get back out there and compete. What I'm looking forward to the most is the feeling of being back in the game, surrounded by my teammates, and giving it my all. It's been too long since I've experienced that rush of adrenaline,” Browne said.
“Reflecting on the past 14 months, I'd say the rehab process has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The initial injury was devastating, especially knowing I'd miss the 2024 season and the Wallaroos' WXV2 campaign. But as time went on, I focused on the small victories, like getting back on my feet, regaining strength, and eventually returning to play this weekend.”
“Sitting on the sidelines for so long has made me hungrier than ever to make a great impression this season. I'm eager to prove myself, not just to others, but to myself.”
Capped Wallaroo Sarah Riordan will pack down at No.8 in what will be her first start of the pre-season block, alongside skipper Jemma Bemrose and Carola Kreis.
A change in the halves sees Nat Wright reinstalled at halfback with Faythe Manera given the opportunity at flyhalf in place of Layne Morgan and Carys Dallinger who both shift to the bench.
There’s also a start for explosive centre Ariana Hira and University winger Caitlin Urwin.
For coach Andrew Fraser, the final hitout is a chance to iron out the imperfections before next Saturday’s development fixture against Penina Pasifika at Ballymore.
“We’re looking forward to the trial in Melbourne this weekend to get another opportunity to go away and make an impression to work their way into the starting 23 for the season,” Fraser said.
“We see this game as a good opportunity to lift our physicality and our intensity. We’ve trained well in the solid sessions against the Brisbane Grammar First XV this week.”
Women’s Trial
10:30am (AEST) Saturday, February 22
La Trobe Sports Park, Bundoora
1 Bree-Anna Browne
2 Tiarna Molloy
3 Christo Taufua
4 Tiarah Minns
5 Vineta Teutau
6 Jemma Bemrose (cc)
7 Carola Kreis
8 Sarah Riordan
9 Nat Wright
10 Faythe Manera
11 Ivania Wong (cc)
12 Carys Dallinger
13 Mel Wilks
14 Caitlin Urwin
15 Lori Cramer
Reserves: 16 Zophronia Setu, 17 Sky-Yvette Faimalie, 18 Mabel Johnston, 19 Dillyn Blackburn, 20 Zoe Hanna, 21 Layne Morgan, 22 Renae Nona, 23 Piper Flynn
UPDATE: Ariana Hira has been replaced by Renae Nona in the matchday squad
