Wallaroos name 16 uncapped players in extended squad

Wallaroos coach Dwayne Nestor has named his first extended squad ahead of a big international season for the team.

The squad features 16 uncapped players who could potentially make their debuts for Australia this season.

There will be competition amongst the new look Wallaroos back line with young talents Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Lori Cramer, Alana Elisaia, Courtney Hodder and Maya Stewart all set to battle it out for potential Test honours.

South Australian Eva Karpani also features in the squad. The 22-year-old burst onto the scene playing for the University of Adelaide in the University Sevens Series.

She's been named alongside Queensland hooker Averyl Mitchell, who was one of the star performers for the 2019 Super W Grand Finalist.

Meanwhile, NSW Waratahs halfback Iliseva Batibasaga and Katrina Barker return to the national team fold for the first time since 2016 and 2017 respectively.

“This squad is about preparing not only for our biggest year on home soil, but also making sure we are continuing to build a strong program for the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup," Nestor said.

“Players will come and go from this squad based on their form and performance so it’s vital that every player continue to work hard at training over the coming months.

“We are excited about the year ahead and we know we have a real opportunity to create some amazing history for the Buildcorp Wallaroos jersey.”

Australia will face Japan in a two Test Series on home soil this July, before taking on New Zealand in Perth and then Eden Park in Auckland in two Trans-Tasman Double Headers.

Extended Wallaroos squad

Forwards

Millie Boyle

Emily Chancellor

Rebecca Clough

Toa (Dora) Filimoehala*

Grace Hamilton

Alisha Hewett

Evelyn Horomia

Fi Jones*

Asoiva (Eva) Karpani*

Michaela Leonard