Parkes gets maiden opportunity to lead from the front.

Marcelle Parkes will captain Canterbury for the first time on Saturday, leading a refreshed red & black side out against Manawatu, with the match being played alongside this weekend’s Test Match between the Black Ferns and Australia Wallaroos.

With the absence of eight Black Ferns, the red and blacks will have the opportunity to test their depth, with coach Blair Baxter calling on his senior players such as his loose forward trio, Parkes, Lucy Jenkins and Greer Muir to stamp their mark on the squad.  

“Marcelle is a great role model; she displays all the values of a Canterbury rugby player; she is the perfect person to lead us into battle this weekend” said Head Coach Blair Baxter.  

Elsewhere in the forwards, Atlanta Lolohea, sister of Martha Mataele gets her first opportunity to start, joined by Lucy Anderson and Ona Palu in the front row, while Stacey Niao and Emma Dermody complete the pack at lock.  

In the backs, regular wing and Canterbury’s top scorer Mataele moves into centre to partner with Charntay Poko, while Di Hiini gets her first start of the season at halfback. Naia Toaolamai-Holden also returns to the side on the left wing, with Terauroriwa Gapper, Isabella Waterman and Rosie Kelly rounding off the backs.  

“Our outside backs have provided a real point of difference for us in the last few weeks, so I’m excited to see what Martha can do in the midfield, and continue the partnership that has been building with Rosie as well.” 

On the bench, Avau Filimaua, Sammy Spence and Kelsyn McCook will have the opportunity to make their Canterbury debut, with McCook previously playing for the Taranaki Whio. 

“Avau and Kelsyn have been putting in the hard yards at training and it is fantastic to be able to give them a chance to show us what they can do against Manawatu” said Baxter. 

“Sammy has come into our side from the FPC Development team and has impressed us with her attitude and eagerness to learn, so we can’t wait to see her out there on Saturday.” 

Samoan international Easter Savelio returns to the red and black after a season with Tasman in 2021.  

Kickoff is set for 4:35pm, with the Black Ferns vs Wallaroos to follow at 7:05pm. Tickets are available here.