It may only be August, yet preparations for the Melbourne Rebels’ 2020 Super W campaign is in full swing.
With an eye on improving competitiveness amongst the squad, the Super W side will hold an inaugural North v South trial match at Moorabbin Rugby Club on September 7, following the completion of junior semi-final day.
The trial match will comprise of Lindroth Cup players who have been recognised by Melbourne Rebels Super W staff and Club Coaches for their performances throughout the season, pitting the best Victorian women’s players against each other.
The North side will incorporate players selected from Northern Panthers, Melbourne University and Western Districts women’s rugby sides, while the South team will field female talent from Power House, Melbourne Unicorns, Casey Crusaders and Box Hill/ Harlequins rugby Clubs.
Melbourne Rebels Super W Head Coach Alana Thomas says the match will be a fantastic new initiative for the Super W program and add much valued game practice for the preseason.
“Creating this match for the best women’s players in Victoria will be a crucial part to how we select our 2020 Super W squad,” Thomas said.
“I think one of the biggest issues we faced was not having enough competitive hit outs for our squad before the start of this season and we’ve addressed that by adding this fixture into our program.
“We’re always striving to make our program better and we feel that this match will be a great way to start our preparations for next season as we want to be a much more competitive outfit than what we were in 2019.”
The first training fixtures for the match will be held on Thursday the 29th of August, with practice to be also held on the Tuesday and Thursday of the following week.
| North Team list | ||
| Alice Masters | Prop | Western Districts |
| Quidelis Dominic | Prop | Western Districts |
| Rebecca Dominic | Prop | Western Districts |
| Samantha Homewood | Prop | Melbourne Uni |
| Shawna Fifita | Prop | |
| Faith Masina | Prop | Western Districts |
| Tuputausi Sae | Hooker | Western Districts |
| Sharlene Fagalilo | Hooker | Western Districts |
| Norma Fuaivaâ | Lock | Northern |
| Beyonce Leaoni | Lock | |
| Amanda Maginn | Lock | |
| May Saaga | Back Row | Northern |
| Michaela Maunsell | Back Row | Northern |
| Alice Tonumaivao | Back Row | Western Districts |
| Willow Rowland | Back Row | Northern |
| Jasmine Bennedick | Half Back | Northern |
| Jessie Treherne | Half Back | Western Districts |
| Liana Pritchard | Fly Half | Northern |
| Rosita Utia | Fly Half | |
| Segia Tutonu | Centre | |
| Maria Tahi | Centre | Northern |
| Rosalia Leumuava | Centre | Northern |
| Kristina Saaga | Centre | Northern |
| Charity Galu | Wingers | Western Districts |
| Eveina Leumuava | Wingers | Northern |
| Jessica Rastrick | Wingers | Western Districts |
| Yulia Shutkovskaya | Fullback | Western Districts |
| South Team list | ||
| Celeste Utumapu | Prop | Casey |
| Hayley Glass | Prop | BH/Quins |
| Janita Kareta | Prop | Power House |
| Piper Tuifao | Prop | Casey |
| Titilia Yabaki | Prop | Casey |
| Jacqueline Te'o | Hooker | BH/Quins |
| Faasegi Martina Mati | Lock | BH/Quins |
| Nawel Remini | Lock | Power House |
| Antoinette Utumalefata To'omalatai Atonio Eli | Back Row | Casey |
| Bree Hardie | Back Row | Power House |
| Lemamae Seu | Back Row | BH/Quins |
| Sally Kehoe | Back Row | Power House |
| Anika Jamieson | Back Row | Power House |
| Carmen Landkauf | Back Row | Power House |
| Yvonne Savea | Back Row | Melbourne |
| Brandie Clucas | Back Row | BH/Quins |
| Emily Harvey | Half Back | BH/Quins |
| Katherine Selhorst | Fly Half | BH/Quins |
| Mere Yakopo | Fly Half | Casey |
| Atalani Faaiuaso | Centre | BH/Quins |
| Hope Kareta | Centre | Power House |
| Sabrina Vee | Centre | Casey |
| Vani Vaaga | Centre | BH/Quins |
| Mary Hunt | Centre | Casey |
| Moana Kareta | Centre | Power House |
| Naila Faaiuaso | Centre | BH/Quins |
| Tanya Yabaki | Centre | Casey |
| Alicia Pena-Tipene | Wingers | Casey |
| Belle Hunt | Fullback | Casey |
| Mikaela Welti | Fullback | BH/Quins |
| Vaegaau Filipo | Fullback | Power House |
