Trialists vie for Kiwi Ferns nines spots

Friday, December 12

MEDIA ADVISORY - Trialists vie for Kiwi Ferns nines spots

Since their inclusion in next month's Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines, the Kiwi Ferns jersey has suddenly become a very valuable thing indeed.

While most of this year's test squad will trial this weekend for the abbreviated form of the game, the lure of the big occasion has brought an array of other prospects out of the woodwork, including one that would dwarf most of her NZ Kiwis male counterparts.

At 1.78m/130kg, front rower Ruti Faatoafe, a former New South Wales representative in both league and union, may not seem suited to the wide-open spaces of nines, but Kiwi Ferns coach Rusty Matua is more than happy to assess any newcomers, with an eye to full international fixtures later in the year.

"When we thought about how to lift the profile of women's rugby league and the Kiwi Ferns, nines was on the wish list and it's great that this has come to fruition within a year," says Matua.

"This tournament has become an incredible event overnight, and to be invited is a huge honour and privilege for the girls.

'It will be an awesome experience, not just for the girls, but for the rugby league public that gets to see the two best women's teams in the world compete against each other."

More than 50 players will show their wares at Auckland's Cornwall Park tomorrow, drawn by the chance to represent their country in a three-game series against Australia at Eden Park on January 31/February 1.

"With so much more space to cover on defence, and the number of times we'll be running up and down the field, we're probably looking for fitter, faster players in nines," admits Matua.

"The game is quicker and the calibre of players is so high, speed and fitness are a bit more important.

"But these trials have attracted some really high-calibre athletes, who have played to a very high level in other sports and now want to transfer that to rugby league."

First game kicks off at 10.45am tomorrow.

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