Experienced Kiwi Ferns and NRLW campaigners Charntay Poko, Karley Te Kawa and Billy-Jean Ale headline a 22-strong Auckland Vulcans Women’s squad named ahead of next month’s National Women’s Tournament.
Poko is one of seven Pt Chevalier players selected, following the club winning their first ever Farrelly Photos Women’s Premiership title last Sunday, while three members of the Manurewa side they beat in the Grand Final have also made the cut.
Ponsonby duo Metanoia Fotu-Moala and Sarah Filimoeatu, plus Pt Chevalier’s Yasmin Puru-Tongia, are among the returning players who appeared for the Vulcans last season.
The squad is again coached by Ponsonby mentor Dion Briggs, who guided the side to the National Women’s Championship decider in his first campaign as coach.
Five clubs from both the Farrelly Photos Women’s Premiership and Championship competitions are represented in the squad.
The National Women’s Tournament kicks off on Saturday, September 25.
2021 Auckland Vulcans Women’s squad
Howick: Aimee Topia, Merearna Asafo-Tavita, France Bloomfield, France Bloomfield, Seifua Pio. Manurewa: Halayna Finau, Karley Te Kawa, Gloria-Hannah Murray-Fiu. Ponsonby: Sarah Filimoeatu, Metanoia Fotu-Moala, Mele Ma’atuleio Fotu-Moala, Pearl Tuitama, Natalee Tagavaitau, Montana Taogaga, Billy-Jean Ale. Pt Chevalier: Charntay Poko, Milena Peau, Yasmin Puru-Tongia, Unaloto Sili, Larissa Lima, Nancy Sikei, Mania Selwyn, Maraea Atmore. Richmond: Maraea Atmore.
