HUNTER Wildfires women's coach Adam Dubois has set the bar high for their maiden tilt at the Jack Scott Cup and expects Kaitlan Leaney, Maryann Tuisalega and a host of other players to catch the eye of Super W selectors.
After a bye in the first round, Hunter open their campaign against defending champions Sydney University at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday.
The Students boast a host of Wallaroos headed by skipper Grace Hamilton.
"Their team is pretty jammed packed with very good players," Dubois said. "Grace Hamilton is the biggest name but to our girls she is just a number.
"We have plenty of talent ourselves and plenty of Super W experience on the field and we should be pretty competitive.
"I don't think the girls will be overawed by it. They see Sydney Uni as their biggest challenge and it's great to have them first-up. The girls will get to experience the pace of the game and quality of the game."
Annika Jamieson (breakaway) and Ashleigh Walker (inside centre) played for the Melbourne Rebels in the 2020 Super W season and Dubois believes a host of other players are knocking on the door.
"Kaitlan Leaney has to be ready to be tapped on the shoulder by any Super W team," he said. "She is a big frame but very fit and with a big engine. She will hold the line, she will bend the line and score tries.
"Maryann Tuisalega at loose head is an animal. Emma Bradford is another one I have a lot of faith in. Sophie Clancy, Peta Salter ... we have a lot of girls who will draw attention."
