The 25-year-old, now based in Dee Why, has been released from the Australian women’s sevens squad specifically to take part in the carnival ahead of upcoming trips to Canada, London and Amsterdam.

Gray, who represented the Wallaroos at last year’s World Cup, wasn’t named in the ­national 13-player group travelling to Atlanta on Monday but remains part of the 22 contracted individuals for 2015.

“It is pretty standard [missing out] being so new to the game, there is a lot to learn and it has been a good challenge,” she said.

“I’m just looking forward to some more game time and working on my skills at this level.”

Gray, who accepted invitations to play sevens tournaments in Darwin, Crescent Head and Lake Macquarie during the past two months, will have the chance to reunite with former teammates this weekend when she lines up for the Australian Services squad at Narabeen.

“I haven’t played with those girls since this time last year,” she said.

“It will be good to run around with them again.”

Australian Services are in the same pool as ACT, Western Australia and Victoria.

New South Wales and Queensland both have two sides each while South Australia, Northern Territory and National Indigenous round out the field in what will be the fourth edition of the women’s competition.

The men’s draw will also be held at the NSW Institute of Sport headquarters across Saturday and Sunday. 

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