The Melbourne Rebels Super W team have tinkered with their lineup ahead of their Round 4 clash with Western Australia in Perth on Sunday.
After missing last week through injury, Ashleigh Walker returns to inside centre, pushing Co-Captain Meretiana Robinson back to fly-half.
Jessica Rastrick has been named at wing, covering for Tyra Boysen- Auimatagi, with Indiana Lewis being brought in as a reserve.
Sunday’s contest will be the final game of the season for the improving Melbourne side.
The game also presents the Rebels best chance to capture a breakthrough Super W win, something Co-Captain Mel Kawa says adds extra excitement for the big clash.
“Certainly, anytime you have the opportunity to make and be part of history, it’s exciting and provides a little bit of extra motivation.
"We’ve been building all season and definitely feel our best rugby can compete with anyone, so I’m really excited to leave it all out on the field and see what the girls can produce on Sunday.
"Recording that first win would mean the world to the team, particularly the girls who have been a part of the program since its inception.
“So the group is really motivated to do well and just excited for the game.”
While a victory would make a fitting end to a promising 2020 campaign, Kawa believes the club will still be proud of the substantial improvements made throughout the season.
“While the turnaround isn’t surprising, I’m extremely proud of how the girls have gone about their business this season.
“We put in a lot of work in the off season, sharpening up our skills and mindset, and it’s really paid off.
“The emphasis on culture and teamwork has helped – we’re a big family now and one who supports each other on and off the field, which is really noticeable on game-day.”
While proud of her side’s evolution this season, Kawa stressed the journey doesn’t stop on Sunday.
“This is just the beginning of our story.
“Yes we’ve made some great improvements but we’re only getting started.
“With another pre-season of hard work, dedication and support, I can’t wait to see what the club will achieve.”
Melbourne Rebels vs WA Rugby Women, Kingsway Sporting Complex, 3.30pm
| Name | Surname | |
| 1 | Janita | Kareta |
| 2 | Eirenei | Nanai |
| 3 | Titilia | Yabaki |
| 4 | Annika | Jamieson |
| 5 | Nawel | Remini |
| 6 | May | Sa'aga |
| 7 | Melanie | Kawa |
| 8 | Sally | Kehoe |
| 9 | Georgia | Cormick |
| 10 | Meretiana | Robinson |
| 11 | Mikaela | Welti |
| 12 | Ashleigh | Walker |
| 13 | Nicola | Emsley |
| 14 | Jessica | Rastrick |
| 15 | Gabi | Bryan |
| 16 | Lemamae | Seu |
| 17 | Indiana | Lewis |
| 18 | Faith | Masina |
| 19 | Brooke | Saunders |
| 20 | Norma | Fuaiva’a |
| 21 | Jessica | Campbell |
| 22 | Kristina | Sa'aga |
| 23 | Georgina | Utia |
| 24 | Santoria | Faaofo-Taula |
