The Queensland Women’s XV side that will contest the inaugural Super W final against NSW in Sydney on Friday evening at Allianz Stadium has been announced.
Head coach Michael Hayes has made three adjustments to the starting side that faced the Western Force Women in their final regular season Super W match. Helensvale duo Jasmin Kemp and Zehara Te Mara will both make their starting debuts, with Kemp set to feature at lock, and Te Mara to start at flyhalf.
Regular pivot and former New Zealand international Lavinia Gould will shift to the side of the scrum, with Lucy Lockhart moving to the reserves.
Hayes has opted for a six-two split between forwards and backs on the bench.
Frontrowers Toa Filimoehala, Hana Ngaha and Vuanimasei Rasolea have been named, while Shannon Mato, Ashlee Knight and Lucy Lockhart will provide cover for the locks and backrow.
Halfback Ana Afuie and centre Sarah Riordan are the two backs reserved selected.
Head coach Michael Hayes said: “For such a short competition, a lot of work has gone into the program to get the team to this point, where they have the opportunity to be part of history in the inaugural Super W final.
“After going down to NSW in our Round 1 match at Suncorp Stadium, the team have grown and developed, both on and off the field, and I know the group are hungry for another crack.
“We’ve made some adjustments to the team this week, with the aim of putting together a squad that can both start and finish the game for us.
“We’re fortunate to welcome Zehara Te Mara into the side to offer us a point of difference in our attack, while Lavinia (Gould) has plenty of experience on the side of the scrum prior to her time in the Super W.
“Jasmin (Kemp) has been working hard behind the scenes to earn her place in the squad and will bring with her a physical presence.
“We’ve opted for the six-two split in the reserves to allow us the opportunity to best combat the NSW forward pack. They’re handy at set-piece and around the park and we’ll need to nullify their impact if we’re going to give our backs the chance to play.
“The Super W campaign has seen our players and staff make sacrifices in terms of work and family to make the most of this new opportunity for the women’s game. On Friday evening the team have the chance to make it all worth it and they’re keen to get the result.”
The Super W final kicks off at 4:45pm AEST on Friday evening at Allianz Stadium, and will be broadcast LIVE on Fox Sports.
Queensland Women’s XV side to contest the Super W final:
1. Liz Patu – Wests
2. Cheyenne Campbell – Redlands
3. Wynona Baice – Wests
4. Kiri Lingman – Sunnybank
5. Jasmin Kemp – Helensvale*
6. Kirby Sefo (C) – Sunnybank
7. Lavinia Gould – Sunnybank
8. Alexandra Hargreaves – Helensvale
9. Asako Ono – University of Queensland
10. Zahara Te Mara – Helensvale*
11. Ivania Wong – Sunnybank
12. Nareta Marsters – Sunnybank
13. Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea – Sunnybank
14. Lori Cramer – University of Queensland
15. Samantha Treherne – Sunnybank
Reserves
16. Toa Filimoehala – Brothers
17. Hana Ngaha – Sunnybank
18. Vuanimasei Rasolea - GPS
19. Shannon Mato – Sunnybank
20. Ashlee Knight – Wests
21.Lucy Lockhart – Wests/Australian Defence Force
22. Ana Afuie - Sunnybank
23.Sarah Riordan – Wests/Australian Defence Force
*Denotes starting Super W debut
