11 debutants for Taranaki Whio squad

Will Johnston

Eleven female players will potentially make their first-class rugby debut for the Central Roofing Taranaki Whio this season.

The final squad ahead of the Farah Palmer Cup, which starts for Taranaki on Sunday, July 23, was dwindled down to 33 players, after coach Maifea Maifea named a near-50 strong squad a month ago.

The new players have been rewarded for strong club performances, including Louise Blyde, the cousin of Black Ferns Sevens star Michaela.

The 16-year-old first-five eighth scored seven tries this season. Her sister and five-capped Whio rep Tara missed out on selection.

Leading CMK premier women’s club points and try scorer during the regular season Sarah Farmer from Southern also got the nod along with promising Clifton fullback Eva Martin.

Bethany Cook (Coastal), Bronte Gorham (Southern), Jenna Moratti (Inglewood), Pearl Kahui (Southern), Ashley Raupapera (Coastal) and Abby Thornley (Clifton) are the new locals to the squad.  

“All of those new players add something different to the team,” Meifea said.

“Their skillsets and work rate are what stood out during the CMK competition.”

Maifea has gone with two players from outside the province with the inclusion of nine-game Manawatu back Laura Claridge and the player of last year’s Whanganui school final Hayley Gabriel.

“Laura is on loan from Manawatu and Hayley is an up-and-coming talent, who’s got a future in the game.”

The team features experienced domestic players Leah Barnard, Sharee Brown, Badinlee Munro-Smith, Elle Johns, Maree Dallinger-Phipps and Brooke Neilson.

Black Fern Iritana Hohaia is also in the squad, but with her international commitments, it’s unsure how much domestic rugby she will play.

Taranaki’s opening game of the season is at Yarrow Stadium against Manawatu at 12:05pm. Entry is free.

2023 Central Roofing Taranaki Whio squad:

Mereana Anderson, Leah Barnard, Louis Blyde, Aleasha Brider, Sharee Brown, Catherine Butler, Laura Claridge, Bethany Cook, Maree Dallinger-Phipps, Janelle Dhedadig, Freedom Edmonds, Sarah Farmer, Hayley Gabriel, Tachelle Gardiner, Gemma Gardner-Harrison, Bronte Gorham, Lucianna Haami, Iritana Hohaia, Elle Johns, Pearl Kahui, Angel Lindsay, Eva Martin, Hannah McLean, Jenna Moratti, Danielle Muggeridge, Badinlee Munro-Smith, Brooke Neilson, Jaymi Ngaia, Pareake O’Brien, Ashley Rupapera, Lyn Smith, Kate Thomson, Abby Thornley.