New look Canterbury squad named ahead of 2023 Farah Palmer Cup, presented by Bunnings.
A host of new faces will get the chance to lay down the foundations for Canterbury’s 2023 Farah Palmer Cup, presented by Bunnings campaign, with a squad of 35 players named from throughout the region, with all five Bascik Transport Premier Women’s clubs represented in the side.
Sisters Erana and Jamee Te Moananui are two of the new faces in the front row, while Hayley Hutana, Keighley Simpson, Laura Bayfield, Maddi Robinson and Rosie Buchanan-Brown also have FPC experience as a selection of the 10 potential debutants in this year’s squad, alongside Holly Wratt-Groeneweg, Winnie Palamo and Sally-James Houlahan.
“It’s a really exciting group.” said Head Coach Jimmy Sinclair, “The club competition provided really entertaining games and a number of these players have put in performances that were too good to ignore.”
10 Black Ferns feature, including Christchurch’s Rosie Kelly, who is set for her international debut off the bench against the Wallaroos on Thursday.
“We’re lucky to have such a strong group of Black Ferns, the experience they have gained, and will gain, through being in that international group provides us with an excellent resource to tap into when they return from the Pacific Four.”
The squad will be without their Black Ferns while they are on international duty, with a further 14 players invited in from the Wider Training Squad for the first couple of weeks, providing the opportunity for those players to fight for a spot in the final squad.
“Our Wider Training Squad play an important role in the Development side and in our preparation at the start of the season, they’ll provide good competition amongst the group for spots throughout the season.” said Sinclair.
As a result, an important addition to this year’s squad is the return of experienced players Marcelle Parkes and Martha Mataele, who have returned to Canterbury off the back of enjoyable and successful personal experiences in previous seasons.
The retirement of Canterbury Legends Steph Te Ohaere-Fox and Kendra Cocksedge also provides excellent opportunities for the next generation of players, with the likes of halfbacks Di Hiini, Kelsyn McCook and Rosie Buchanan-Brown all well equipped to step into the role of game manager, with all three holding first class experience.
“They’re (Te Ohaere-Fox and Cocksedge) obviously a big loss, but the depth that we have in those key positions means we are well placed to continue the growth and development of the next group of players.” Sinclair said.
Canterbury also welcomes back a couple of players from long term injury, with Tayla Simpson and Wratt-Groeneweg selected this year after being unavailable for selection last season.
Canterbury opens their 2023 campaign at home versus Wellington on the 15th of July, with kick off at Rugby Park at 12:05pm as they begin the campaign to retain the JJ Stewart Trophy and fight for another FPC Premiership title.
