Mariu to lead Kiwi Ferns

AUCKLAND: The Kiwi Ferns have named their squad for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, including Australianbased players for the first time.

New Zealand coach Tony Benson has selected a 24strong squad for next month’s tournament, to be held in southern Sydney and Brisbane.

The final will be held in Brisbane on December 2, before the men’s final.

The Kiwi Ferns won the tournament in 2000, 2005 and 2008 but lost the final to Australia in 2013. Benson’s charges will convene in midNovember.

Benson said they had been working hard for months in preparation, and had been able to call upon Australianbased Kiwis for the tournament.

Several Kiwieligible players living in Australia had travelled to New Zealand to trial for the side before the team announcement yesterday

They were gunning for the cup.

‘‘It’s been exciting to see the lift in intensity at training and at the

trials since we were able to commit more resources to the team,’’ Benson said.

‘‘All the players have really embraced the challenge and I am confident they’ll give the very best of themselves at this year’s tournament.’’

Laura Mariu will skipper the side, with Georgia Hale as vicecaptain.

They are joined in their pool by Canada and Papua New Guinea. — NZN