October 7 2025

The Kiwi Ferns are looking to make an impact in their upcoming Pacific Championships campaign, and Head Coach Ricky Henry has stacked his side accordingly.  

The 30th rendition of the Kiwi Ferns is a formidable lineup, featuring a healthy balance of continuity and fresh blood. All 21 players have had superlative NRLW seasons, which have set them up strongly to contest and go one better for this campaign. 

 Bolstering the side is the talented Raecene McGregor, who returns after a sabbatical in 2024. She is joined by fellow veterans Georgia Hale and Apii Nicholls, with the experienced trio boasting an impressive combined 20 campaigns in the black jersey. 

“Those three [Hale, McGregor, and Nicholls] are cornerstones for our team. Their experience is second to none and invaluable at Test level,” said Henry. 

The Cowboys NRLW Head Coach is also looking forward to seeing the five rookies take their opportunity. 

“It’s a nod to who we see representing us at next year’s World Cup. We’re always looking ahead to that target, but performing well in the Pacific Championship is key for us. It will be a true test to see where we are at, and we can’t wait to see what this group does on the field.” 

Four of the new faces hail from the recently revived Warriors NRLW team: centre Tysha Ikenasio, prop Ivana Lauitiiti, five-eighth Patricia Maliepo, and Shakira Baker, who will vie for a start in the second row with fellow newcomer, Bulldogs Shaniece Monschau. 

The Kiwi Ferns will kick off their campaign against Fetu Samoa at Go Media Stadium on 19 October, before a rematch of last year’s final against Australia at Eden Park to earn their place for the decider in Sydney. 

 

2025 Kiwi Ferns Squad: 

  1. Abigail Roache (North Queensland Cowboys | Richmond Rovers)
  2. Alexis Tauaneai (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs | Wainuiomata Lions)
  3. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs | Milperra Colts)
  4. Annessa Biddle (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks | Otara Scorpions)
  5. Apii Nicholls (New Zealand Warriors | Otahuhu Leopards)
  6. Ashleigh Quinlan (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs | Dundas Shamrocks)
  7. Brianna Clark (Brisbane Broncos | Sarina Crocodiles)
  8. Brooke Anderson (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks | Minchinbury Jets)
  9. Georgia Hale, Co-Captain (Gold Coast Titans | Richmond Rovers)
  10. Ivana Lauitiiti* (New Zealand Warriors | Otahuhu Leopards)
  11. Leianne Tufuga (Canberra Raiders)
  12. Mele Hufanga (Brisbane Broncos | Otahuhu Leopards)
  13. Otesa Pule (Sydney Roosters | Caboolture Snakes)
  14. Patricia Maliepo* (New Zealand Warriors | Rugby union)
  15. Raecene McGregor, Co-Captain (St. George Illawarra Dragons | Greenacre Tigers)
  16. Shakira Baker* (New Zealand Warriors | Rugby union)
  17. Shaniece Monschau* (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs | Richmond Rovers)
  18. Shanice Parker (Newcastle Knights | Willagee Bears)
  19. Tiana Davison (Newcastle Knights | Clifton Rugby Club)
  20. Tyla King (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks | New Lynn Stags)
  21. Tysha Ikenasio* (New Zealand Warriors | Richmond Rovers)

*Denotes debutant 

 

Wider Squad: 

  1. Jasmin Strange (Sydney Roosters)
  2. Mackenzie Wiki (Canberra Raiders)
  3. Matekino Gray (New Zealand Warriors)
  4. Moana Courtenay (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
  5. Payton Takimoana (New Zealand Warriors)
  6. Tenika Willison (Newcastle Knights)
  7. Trinity Tauaneai (St. George Illawarra Dragons)
  8. Martha Mataele (Parramatta Eels) 

 

Unavailable for selection: 

  • Gayle Broughton (Brisbane Broncos) – Personal 
  • Amber Hall (Sydney Roosters) – Samoa 
  • Jasmine Solia (Gold Coast Titans) – Injured
  • Brooke Talataina (Wests Tigers) – Injured