The Western Force have named a 30-member team list for Friday’s women’s pre-season trial game against Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix with Super W spots up for grabs.
The Force will take on the Japanese champions as part of a Friday night double-header from 4:30pm, followed by the men’s side facing the Hurricanes from 7pm at HBF Park.
Force head coach Dylan Parsons said every player would get minutes in Friday’s trial game which comes three weeks out from the Super W season opener against the Melbourne Rebels on Friday March 15 at HBF Park.
Parsons has instilled a theme of “being the first” in the Force women’s squad this year as the group aims to navigate unchartered territory in the 2024 season.
The Force head coach was excited about taking on the Phoenix, who were recently crowned Japanese champions and will present a different style for his side.
The Force will use Friday’s game, along with Tuesday’s follow-up scrimmage with the Phoenix, as valuable opportunities for players to push for Round 1 selection with spots up for grabs along with upcoming trials against the Rebels and Queensland Country.
Western Force v Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix
Friday 23 February, 4:30pm WST
HBF Park, gate 1 opens 4:15pm
Force team list
Alapeta Ngauamo, Sara Cline, Harono Te Iringa, Michaela Leonard, Rosie Ebbage, Tamika Jones, Anneka Stephens, Keira MacAskill, Samantha Wood, Nicole Ledington, Saelua Leaula, Trilleen Pomare, Rosie McGehan, Haylee Hifo, Aiysha Wigley; Hera Barb Malcolm Heke, Hannah Palelei, Braxton Walker, Libya Teepa, Alanis Toia, Kendra Fell, Renae Nona, Numi Tupaea, Seneti Kilisimasi, Katie Barnes, Lucy Dinnen, Siutiti Maáke, Zoe Gillard, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce, Emilya Byrne
Force pre-season trial games schedule
Western Force v Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix – Friday 23 February 4:30pm, HBF Park
Western Force v Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix – Tuesday 27 February 6pm, UWA Sports Park (scrimmage)
Melbourne Rebels v Western Force - Saturday 2 March, Moorabbin
Western Force v Queensland Country - Saturday 9 March 4pm, Southern Lions RUFC, Success
