Former Toowoomba rugby talents named in Wallaroos Test squad
From the Garden City to the world stage and showdown with a passionate rugby nation, two former Toowoomba juniors are pressing their Wallaroos claims. Meet the dynamic duo here.
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Wearing sky blue Georgina Friedrichs was an ‘enemy of the state’ when she scored two tries in the NSW Waratahs convincing 43-21 Super Rugby Women’s grand final win against Queensland Reds.
Friedrichs’ stunning season for the Waratahs has been rewarded with selection in the extended Wallaroos squad ahead of the side’s first Test match of the international season against Fijiana on May 3.
“After a very competitive and successful Super Rugby Women’s competition we have selected a squad that can continue the momentum built off the WXV 2 win last year,” Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp said.
“It’s an exciting year for women’s rugby and the preparation we have with seven Test matches over the next three months is going to be crucial ahead of the World Cup.
“The squad is a mix of youth and experience with some new and returning players earning their opportunities.
“We are looking forward to seeing these players connect and grow throughout the upcoming camps and Pacific Four series.”
Born in Zimbabwe, Friedrichs moved with her family to Toowoomba when she was eight.
A prodigious touch football talent, the former Fairholme College student made the switch to Rugby Sevens when she was 18 and her 15-a-side debut in 2019 for the Reds.
Friedrichs has been named in the 40-player extended squad alongside another Toowoomba talent.
Born in Toowoomba Bree-Anna Browne started playing rugby at 14.
Rising through the rugby ranks for Wests (Brisbane) she debuted against the Black Ferns in 2022.
Sidelined by an ACL injury last year, Browne was a key figure in the Reds run to the Super Rugby Women’s grand final.
WALLAROOS SQUAD
Katalina Amosa, Ruby Anderson, Bree-Anna Browne, Charlotte Caslick, Emily Chancellor, Lori Cramer, Annabelle Codey, Biola Dawa, Waiaria Ellis, Ashley Fernandez, Georgina Friedrichs, Martha Fua, Caitlyn Halse, Zoe Hanna, Tia Hinds, Eva Karpani, Lydia Kavoa, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Ashley Marsters, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Tiarah Minns, Faitala Moleka, Manua Moleka, Tiarna Molloy, Layne Morgan, Tania Naden, Alapeta Ngauamo, Bridie O’Gorman, Siokapesi Palu, Faliki Pohiva, Trilleen Pomare, Ella Ryan, Cecilia Smith, Maya Stewart, Adiana Talakai, Bienne Terita, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Natalie Wright
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