Halfback Karli Hansen needed just 90 seconds of her Kiwi Ferns Test debut to put her talent and array of skills on display.
The Te Atatu Roosters playmaker starred for Akarana Falcons in the inaugural Sky Sports NZRL National Women’s Premiership in 2020 to earn a maiden international call-up for the Kiwi Ferns’ clash with Fetu Samoa.
Putting a chip kick through in the early stages of the Mt Smart Stadium encounter, Hansen raced through after the ball deflected off the upright and dotted down for a try – a dream introduction to the Test arena by any standards.
Hansen also had a hand in two more tries, slotted two conversions, kicked superbly in general play and combined well with halves partner and fellow first-timer Autumn Stephens-Daly (including producing a classy short ball to help set up the five-eighth’s first try) in New Zealand’s convincing victory, before leaving the field with a knee injury during the second half.
Relocating to Australia, Hansen turned out for Tweed Heads Seagulls in the 2022 QRL Women’s Premiership and was part of the fledgling Gold Coast Titans’ but is yet to make her NRLW debut. Hansen was the unused 18th player in the Kiwi Ferns’ mid-2022 win over Mate Ma’a Tonga, a role she also filled during the end-of-year World Cup, where she ultimately did not add to her Test match tally.
