Maitland Pickers hooker Julie Young has been named in the Australian women’s rugby league side to play in a three-match series against New Zealand as part of this weekend’s Auckland Nines.
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Young was one of 16 players announced in the Jillaroos squad by coach Steve Folkes.
Kellye Hodges and Nikki Richards are the only additions to the side which played the Kiwi Ferns in Wollongong in November.
Queensland prop Steph Hancock will lead the Jillaroos out at Eden Park when her side tackle their trans-Tasman rival, who Australia beat at the World Cup in 2013.
Hancock, who made her debut as captain last year, will be joined by forwards Young, Brittany Breayley, Heather Ballinger, Kezie Apps, Vanessa Folaiki, Ruan Sims and Richards as well as backs Sam Hammond, Karina Brown, Jenni-Sue Hoepper, Annette Brander, Ali Brigginshaw, Maddie Studdon and the versatile Deanna Turner.
“It’s an honour to once again be selected to captain Australia in women’s rugby league and we are extremely excited to be involved in this year’s Auckland Nines,” Hancock said.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for us to be able to play in front of up to 45,000 fans each day, something we have not done before.”
Folkes said his side were very much looking forward to the challenge of coming up against the Ferns who have the home ground advantage in Auckland.
“After a camp in Wollongong at the end of last year the team know each other well now,” he said. “They put in some hard work and having that prior preparation should certainly help us.”
Kurri Kurri Bulldogs 2013 grand final fullback Nathan Ross will also play at the Auckland Nines but in the main men’s draw. He will line up with the Newcastle Knights alongside East Maitland junior Robbie Rochow.
