THE Queensland Reds women’s side, coached by former Shoals captain/coach Michael Hayes, will look to end their debut season on a high this Friday, when they contest the inaugural Super W final against NSW at Allianz Stadium.
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Hayes has made three adjustments to the starting side that faced the Western Force in their final regular season Super W match.
“For such a short competition, a lot of work has gone into the program to get the team to this point, where they have the opportunity to be part of history in the inaugural Super W final,” Hayes said.
“After going down to NSW in our round one match at Suncorp Stadium, the team has grown and developed, both on and off the field – I know they’re hungry for another crack.
“We’ve made some adjustments to the team this week, with the aim of putting together a squad that can both start and finish the game for us.
“We’re fortunate to welcome Zehara Te Mara into the side to offer us a point of difference in our attack, while Lavinia [Gould] has plenty of experience on the side of the scrum prior to her time in the Super W.
“Jasmin [Kemp] has been working hard behind the scenes to earn her place in the squad and will bring with her a physical presence.
“We’ve opted for the six-two split in the reserves to allow us the opportunity to best combat the NSW forward pack.
“They’re handy at set-pieces and around the park – we’ll need to nullify their impact if we’re going to give our backs the chance to play.”
Hayes said he felt privileged to be a part of this historic Super W season.
“The Super W campaign has seen our players and staff make sacrifices in terms of work and family to make the most of this incredible opporunity for the women’s game,” he said.
“On Friday evening the team have the chance to make it all worth it and they’re keen to get the result.”
The Super W final kicks off at 4:45pm.
Queensland Reds squad: 1. Liz Patu, 2. Cheyenne Campbell, 3. Wynona Baice, 4. Kiri Lingman, 5. Jasmin Kemp, 6. Kirby Sefo ©, 7. Lavinia Gould, 8. Alexandra Hargreaves, 9. Asako Ono, 10. Zahara Te Mara, 11. Ivania Wong, 12. Nareta Marsters, 13. Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, 14. Lori Cramer, 15. Samantha Treherne, 16. Toa Filimoehala, 17. Hana Ngaha, 18. Vuanimasei Rasolea, 19. Shannon Mato, 20. Ashlee Knight, 21.Lucy Lockhart, 22. Ana Afuie and 23.Sarah Riordan.
