The Queensland Reds have confirmed their 32-player Super Rugby Women’s squad for the 2024 season.
In what is Grant Anderson’s first playing squad since taking over as head coach of the team, the squad is underpinned by a blend of fresh teenage talent and experience.
The squad features exciting young centre Shalom Sauaso, who is just is just 16 and still a Grade 12 student at Ipswich State High School.
Just as important is the return of prop Liz Patu – the most capped Wallaroo in history with 33 caps – to bolster the pack at 34 less than eight months after the birth of son Peter.
Anderson said: “We have a lot of new faces and energy coming to the squad.
“During the pre-season, the priority has been working really hard at the skill base and building combinations and cohesion."
Anderson, a former prop, knows that having the right strength in the pack always has to be the first step for any backline to sing.
Patu’s return is a major plus as well as the arrival of experienced USA Eagle Charli Jacoby, who will bring her background of 24 Tests to the job of playing tighthead prop. Prop Janita Kareta is also settling into Brisbane after seeking a change of scenery following her years with the Melbourne Rebels. They are plusses to cover the absence of Wallaroo prop Bree-Anna Cheatham for the season as she recovers from a knee injury.
The line-breaking and try-scoring potential is there in the backs. Flyhalf Carys Dallinger, halfback Sarah Dougherty, centre Cecilia Smith, winger Ivania Wong, centre Alana Elisaia and utility Mel Wilks all have recent experience with the Wallaroos.
Added to that is the return of experienced Wallaroos fullback Lori Cramer after her stint with the NSW Waratahs and England’s Exeter Chiefs.
Sauaso was an eye-catcher in the trial against the Waratahs in Roma in February with her strong carries from inside centre.
Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, 17, who attends the same school as her team-mate, impressed on the same day with her stout defence in the centres.
“Shalom has come through the sevens pathway. That was her first game of 15s in Roma and she showed great composure,” Anderson said.
“Carys and Sarah both bring their Wallaroos experience to playmaking positions while Ava Wereta (17) took on the challenge in Roma as a young No.10 when Carys was a late withdrawal.”
Unearthing the Kiwi-schooled Dallinger after discovering her Australian heritage was one of the upbeat stories of 2023. She rode it all the way, from her classy distribution and kicking for the Reds to Australian selection.
Gelling all the positive parts of the puzzle within the squad is the big thing for Anderson but he likes what he sees.
“Mel Wilks offers a lot in attack with her skills and has flexibility to play at fullback or in the centres. It’s good to have that versatility in players,” Anderson added.
"You can’t coach pace, so a big upside is having electric youngster Dianne Waight joining the squad as well."
Waight, who has Jamaican heritage, is a former track sprinter and scored three tries for Bond University in last year’s Australian Club Championship triumph.
Queensland kick off their 2024 Super Ruby Pacific Women’s season at Ballymore Stadium on Sunday March 17.
Deni Ross | Wests
Ava Wereta | Bond Uni
Lori Cramer | TBC
Charli Jacoby | Bond Uni
Jemma Bemrose | Bond Uni
Janita Kareta | Sunnybank
Maletina Brown | Easts
Alana Elisaia | Wests
Doreen Narokete | Brothers
Madi Schuck | Easts
Carola Kreis | Easts
Briana Dascombe | Wests
Cecilia Smith | Sunnybank
Haidee Head | Easts
Natalie Wright | UQ
Aleena Greenhalgh | Wests
Tiarna Molloy | Easts
Caitlin Urwin | UQ
Ivania Wong | Sunnybank
Mel Wilks | Bond University
Ashlee Knight | Wests
Carys Dallinger | Easts
Liz Patu | Wests
Sarah Dougherty | GPS
April Ngatupuna | Easts
Shalom Sauaso | TBC
Mercedez Taulelei-Siala | Sunnybank
Grace Baker | Bond Uni
Lucy Thorpe | Bond Uni
Isabelle Robinson | Sunnybank
Theresa Soloai | Easts
Dianne Waight | Bond Uni
Head Coach: Grant Anderson
Assistant Coach: Lawrence Faifua
Assistant Coach: Darren Rees
Team Manager: Tania Hala
