Mariu at helm for Anzac Test

Mariu at helm for Anzac Test

After 15 years and four World Cup finals, veteran half Laura Mariu will finally get a chance to captain the NZ Kiwi Ferns, when they line up for the Anzac Test curtainraiser at Suncorp Stadium next Friday.

Mariu (34) has inherited the job from fullback Sarina Fiso, who hasn’t recovered from the knee injury suffered at the NRL Auckland Nines in February.

“It was quite overwhelming to be told I was captain, but it’s an awesome opportunity, and an honour and a privilege to be asked to lead a New Zealand side,” she says.

“In terms of leadership, I guess I’ve always played a role because of the position I play, but captaincy is not something that’s ever come my way.”

Mariu has been a mainstay of the national women’s league side form well over a decade and her value to the team was never better illustrated than in their loss to Australia at the 2013 World Cup final.

Having already defeated their rivals earlier in the tournament, the Ferns were without their injured goalkicker for the final and could not find the posts in a 22-12 loss.

Mariu is a double international, having represented New Zealand for five years as a softball outfielder, before switching codes in 2000.

“It really happened by chance,” she recalls. “I had injured my arm, so I knew I couldn’t play softball again.

“A group of friends at work asked if I would fill in on their league team and the rest is history. Playing for the Kiwi Ferns wasn’t something I had ever aspired to, it was just one of those things.”

The South Auckland postie takes up the captaincy at a pivotal time in the Ferns’ development. After winning three consecutive World Cup titles on the smell of an oily rag and the hard work of a small band of diehards, the programme has now been absorbed into the NZ Rugby League high performance structure.

In the past 12 months, the Kiwi Ferns have relished opportunities to showcase their skills and abilities on the international stage, alongside their male counterparts. After avenging their World Cup defeat against the Jillaroos during last year’s Four Nations tournament, they also meted out a 2-1 series result at the NRL Auckland Nines earlier this year.

Under new coach Alan Jackson, they now have a chance to impress as part of the Anzac centenary festivities and Mariu is excited by the path ahead.

“As we’re all aware, the opportunities that have opened up since last year have been really awesome for the game,” she says.

“I can only see it going upwards, as long as we have the support of NZRL and the NRL in putting the women’s game out there.”

NZ Kiwi Ferns v Australia Jillaroos
Anzac Test Curtainraiser
5.20pm, Friday, May 1
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

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