Foliaki a fixture in Jillaroos side: all roads lead to Newcastle for Vanessa

ORANGE product Vanessa Foliaki is fast becoming a mainstay in the Jillaroos side after being named for Australia’s Anzac Test against New Zealand at Newcastle’s Hunter Stadium, which acts as the first game of Friday night’s double-header before the men’s Kangaroos-Kiwis clash.

After making her international debut in a one-off Test against the Kiwi Ferns in 2014, Foliaki has turned out in the Jillaroos’ last two Auckland Nines campaigns and helped Australia to a 22-14 upset win in last year’s Anzac match-up.

She also played for the All Stars in their victory over their Indigenous counterparts earlier this year.

Foliaki, a former Orange Hawk who also starred for Orange Emus, Central West and NSW Country in rugby union in the past, will line up in Australia’s blockbuster back row on Friday night, alongside Kezie Apps and newly-named skipper Ruan Sims.

The Jillaroos side is balanced with youth and experience, head coach Steve Folkes naming five debutants to run out alongside the returning faces.

Folkes and Sims said they’re both confident of the side claiming a second straight Anzac Test win, thanks largely to their strong preparation so far.

“We know the job ahead of us and the team chosen has a blend of new faces ready to take up the challenge that Test match football brings, as well as players that have been there before and know how much it means to wear the green and gold jersey for Australia,” Folkes said.

“Our squad has been building to this Test match since the Nines and All Stars earlier this year,” Sims said.

“Now it is time to repay the faith and get the job done against the Ferns. It would be nice to leave Newcastle with a win for both the Jillaroos and Kangaroos.”

The Jillaroos will kick off against the Ferns at 5.20pm at Hunter Stadium on Friday, prior to the men’s game.

In an extra boost for the fixture and women’s rugby league, once again the clash will be broadcast by Channel Nine.

JILLAROOS: 1 Samantha Bremner, 2 Chelsea Baker, 3 Corban McGregor, 4 Annette Brander, 5 Karina Brown, 6 Allana Ferguson, 7 Maddie Studdon, 8 Simaima Taufa, 9 Brittany Breayley, 10 Heather Ballinger, 11 Kezie Apps, 12 Vanessa Foliaki, 13 Ruan Sims (c); Bench: 14 Libby Cook-Black, 15 Kody House, 16 Casey Karklis, 17 Emma Young, 18 Caitlyn Moran.