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AAP
Sport
Melissa Woods

Overseas trio return to Wallaroos for New Zealand clash

Emily Chancellor (top) is one of three UK-based players to return for the Wallaroos against NZ. (Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Harlequins trio Kaitlan Leaney, Emily Chancellor and Arabella McKenzie will return to the Wallaroos team that will take on world champions New Zealand to kick off their Pacific Four Series.

The three come back into the Australian fold from a stint with their English club side, with coach Jay Tregonning excited about what they will add to Thursday's match at the Dolphins' Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe.

The trio missed May's Fijiana Test in Sydney due to club commitments.

"We're looking forward to going up against the world champions," said Tregonning, ahead of a tournament that also features Canada and the USA.

"I've been impressed by Kaitlan Leaney, Emily Chancellor and Arabella McKenzie, who have developed their skills during their time with the Harlequins in England.

"The squad has continued to grow and learn in the wake of our win in Sydney earlier this year - now it's time to test that knowledge."

With the trans-Tasman teams also playing for the O'Reilly Cup, newly named Wallaroos captain Piper Duck will be on the sidelines as she continues her rehabilitation from a foot injury sustained in the Super W competition.

Hunting a maiden win over the Black Ferns, Australia have named lock Michaela Leonard as Test captain for the first time, with centre Georgina Friedrichs taking on the vice-captaincy.

Leaney replaces retired skipper Shannon Parry in the back row, starting at blindside flanker, with Ashley Marsters switching to openside while Chancellor and McKenzie will come off the bench.

Hooker Tania Naden is the only other change to the forward pack that downed Fijiana 23-5, coming in to replace the injured Adiana Talakai.

Looking to build continuity within the squad, Tregonning has named an unchanged backline.

Teenage fullback Faitala Moleka has retained her position after a successful debut, while five-eighth Carys Dallinger will face up for her first match against the country of her birth.

Wallaroos: Bree-Anna Cheatham, Tania Naden, Eva Karpani, Michaela Leonard (c), Annabelle Codey, Kaitlan Leaney, Ashley Marsters, Grace Hamilton, Layne Morgan, Carys Dallinger, Ivania Wong, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Faitala Moleka. Reserves: Madison Schuck, Emily Robinson, Bridie O'Gorman, Sera Naiqama, Emily Chancellor, Jasmin Huriwai, Arabella McKenzie, Alana Elisaia.

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