Former Wallaroo Brooke Saunders is poised to get her first taste of Super W after locking in a spot in the Melbourne Rebels squad for the upcoming season.
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The Quirindi native is part of a new-look squad with 20 of the 33-players named by Rebels coach, and former Glen Innes local, Alana Thomas, in line to make their Super W debuts.
"We have an exciting squad again this year with around two thirds of the squad being new but the new players are bringing some really good energy and skills," Thomas said.
Saunders, who represented Australia at the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup and is an aircraft technician with the Air Force, returned to Australia last January from a two year posting in the US.
Speaking to the Leader late last year amid the final stages of the trial process, the lock said coming home she "didn't expect to play Super W" but would be pushing herself as hard as she could to try and win a spot in the squad.
She isn't the only northern export that could be pulling on a Rebels jersey with Moree native Ashleigh Walker also making the squad.
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The former Inverell Highlander and Central North rep is now living in Melbourne and suited up for the University of Melbourne during last year's Uni 7s having previously played for the UNE Lions.
The Rebels open their Super W campaign on February 14 at AAMI Park. In a first for the program, both Rebels Super W home games this year will be played as double headers alongside the men's games.
"To play double headers with the men is a fantastic. We are one club and to have the chance to play both our games with them is special," Thomas said.
"For some of our players, playing on AAMI park for the first time is an exciting prospect. To know that the Stockade will be packed with everyone ready to march with us is something we all can't wait to experience."
Rebels Super W Squad: Annika Jamieson, Ashleigh Walker, Ashley Marsters, Brooke Saunders, Carmen Landkauf, Eirenei Nanai, Faith Masina, Gabi Bryan, Georgia Cormick, Georgina Utia, Hayley Glass, Indiana Lewis, Janita Kareta, Jessica Campbell, Jessica (Sika) Rastrick, May Sa'aga, Melanie Kawa, Meretiana Robinson, Mikaela Welti, Nawel Remini, Nicola Emsley, Norma Fuaiva'a, Piper Tuifao, Sally Kehoe, Sheniqua Taula, Tayler Savage, Tiarah Minns, Titilia Yabaki, Tyra Boysen, Vani Va'aga, Lemamae Seu, Liana Pritchard, Santoria Faaofo-taula
