Wallaroos star’s timely return to face Wales before Rugby World Cup

The Wallaroos have received a significant boost ahead of the Rugby World Cup next month, with winger Maya Stewart returning from injury to face Wales at North Sydney Oval on Friday.

Stewart sustained a devastating knee injury against Fijiana in May, which saw the Wallaroos’ all-time leading try-scorer miss all three Pacific Four Series Tests. The winger was also unavailable for Tests against New Zealand in Wellington and Wales in Brisbane.

While reports suggested Stewart was still on track for the World Cup in England, the speedster’s inclusion in the team to face Wales is a major talking point. Australia were beaten by Wales at Ballymore Stadium last weekend but have a chance to make amends on Friday.

Burger on why versatility can be beneficial in the long run

Burger on why versatility can be beneficial in the long run

Stewart joins Desiree Miller and Caitlyn Halse in the outside backs, but the winger’s selection sees teenager Waiaria Ellis move to the bench. Trilleen Pomare and Georgina Friedrichs are the two starting centres, while Charlotte Caslick is unavailable due to injury.

Faliki Pohiva joins Katalina Amosa and Bridie O’Gorman in the front row, while Kaitlan Leaney and Michaela Leonard are the locks. Former Wallaroos captain Piper Duck joins current skipper Emily Chancellor and Tabua Tuinakauvadra in the loose forwards.

“We were disappointed with last week’s performance. We’ve all had some honest reviews, and we are pleased with how the squad has responded at training,” Yapp said in a statement.

“Unfortunately we’ve had injuries to Eva and Bree which has meant calling in Alapeta and we know Alapeta will come in and do a great job.

“We are also excited for Maya Stewart’s return after injury. With a short turnaround we are looking forward to playing at North Sydney Oval in our final game before the World Cup.”

The Wallaroos will announce their 32-player squad for the World Cup on August 4. They will depart for England on August 11, with their campaign kicking off on August 23.

Wallaroos team to play Wales

1. Faliki Pohiva (#219 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 3 caps
2. Katalina Amosa (#218 – Southern Districts) – 5 caps
3. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 – Sydney University) – 32 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 – SCU Marlins) – 30 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (#168 – Tuggeranong Vikings) – 37 caps
6. Piper Duck (#185 – Tumut Bullettes) – 17 caps
7. Emily Chancellor (c) (#158 – Sydney University) – 29 caps
8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 – Orange Emus) – 17 caps
9. Samantha Wood (#207 – Kalamunda Rugby) – 6 caps
10. Faitala Moleka (#199 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 21 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 – Eastern Suburbs) – 18 caps
12. Trilleen Pomare (#155 – Wanneroo) – 39 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 – Wests Bulldogs) – 33 caps
14. Maya Stewart (#196 – Nelson Bay Gropers) – 17 caps
15. Caitlyn Halse (#210 – Camden Rams) – 10 caps

Reserves

16. Tania Naden (#197 – Uni-North Owls) – 24 caps
17. Lydia Kavoa (#214 – Eastern Suburbs) – 8 caps
18. Alapeta Ngauamo (#215 – Wests Bulldogs) – 3 caps
19. Ashley Fernandez (#221 – Uni-North Owls) – 3 caps
20. Ashley Marsters (#117 – Boroondara) – 40 caps
21. Layne Morgan (#188 – Merewether Carlton) – 35 caps
22. Tia Hinds (#222 – Randwick) – 5 caps
23. Waiaria Ellis (#225 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 3 caps

Players unavailable for selection 

• Bree-Anna Browne (leg)
• Charlotte Caslick (ankle)
• Sally Fuesaina (calf)
• Brianna Hoy (knee)
• Eva Karpani (back)
• Atasi Lafai (knee)
• Leilani Nathan (knee)
• Siokapesi Palu (foot)
• Bienne Terita (hamstring)