The NSW Waratahs Women have confirmed their side for the SMARTECH Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final against the Queensland Reds at North Sydney Oval this Saturday.
NSW Waratahs Women’s Head Coach Mike Ruthven has named a strong and experienced line-up for his side who are the defending champions, despite injury forcing him to make two of his three changes to the starting side.
Number eight, Piper Duck and left flanker Leilani Nathan have been ruled out following significant injuries sustained during last weekend’s semi-final victory.
Duck, captain of the side throughout the season, sustained a shoulder subluxation in the Western Force semi-final on top of ongoing AC joint issues.
Meanwhile, Nathan sustained a severe knee injury, described by Ruthven as "season-ending" with damage to her ACL, PCL, MCL and meniscus.
"It's hugely disappointing for both of them. Not just because they miss out on the Grand Final, but also due to the nature of their injuries,” Ruthven said.
“They've been enormous contributors this season, and we're certainly thinking of them at the moment."
Stepping into the starting XV are Nicole Nathan for her sister Leilani and Ruby Anderson at No. 8 for Duck, both of whom Ruthven were described as "seamless transitions" due to their strong performances throughout the season.
"Both players bring physicality in their own way," Ruthven explained.
"When we looked at the replacements, we wanted like-for-like in terms of the punch and presence that Piper and Leilani bring on both sides of the ball."
In Duck’s absence, right flanker Emily Chancellor will also lead the NSW Waratahs Women on Saturday.
Chancellor has captained the side earlier in the season and Ruthven is confident in her ability to step up on the big stage.
"Chancellor’s a great leader in her own right," Ruthven said.
"It’s as seamless a transition in captaincy as you could find. She’ll lead the group well in her own way."
The third key change in personnel is the return of fullback Caitlyn Halse to the starting XV.
Halse impressed in her return from injury last week against the Western Force and will bring valuable experience and composure to the backfield.
"Waiaria Ellis has been outstanding this season, but Caitlyn’s experience and game awareness was too good to pass up for a Grand Final," Ruthven said.
"Waiaria still has a huge role to play — she’ll come on [from the bench] when the game opens up, which suits her dynamic style perfectly."
The NSW Waratahs Women have named a powerful and well-balanced bench, which played a crucial role in their semi-final win.
"There’s real punch and power there with Seneti Kilisimasi and Jayjay Taylor — two big, physical presences," Ruthven said.
"But just as importantly, we have a brilliant injection of youth and energy with Waiaria, Millie Parker, Anahera Hamahona, and Martha Harvey."
Ruthven highlighted the youthful spark the quartet brings, describing them as "the future of the Waratahs."
"They've brought real enthusiasm and energy to the group all season," he said.
"Martha, Waiaria, Millie, and Anahera — they play without fear. It’s exciting to have them coming off the bench ready to impact a Grand Final."
The youthful group is complemented by the experience of Jade Sheridan and Emily Robinson, both long-serving members of the squad with multiple finals appearances under their belts.
"It's an exciting week," Ruthven added.
"This group has a huge amount of experience and talent.
"They’re used to playing in big matches, and we've stayed really focused on being performance-driven this year.
“That's what we’re chasing on Saturday — a really strong performance."
- Bridie O'Gorman
2. Adiana Talakai
3. Faliki Pohiva
4. Kaitlan Leaney
5. Annabelle Codey
6. Nicole Nathan
7. Emily Chancellor (c)
8. Ruby Anderson
9. Tatum Bird
10. Arabella McKenzie
11. Desiree Miller
12. Katrina Barker
13. Georgina Friedrichs (vc)
14. Maya Stewart
15. Caitlyn Halse
Reserves
16. Millie Parker
17. Emily Robinson
18. Seneti Kilisimasi
19. Jayjay Taylor
20. Anahera Hamahona
21. Martha Harvey
22. Jade Sheridan
23. Waiaria Ellis
When: at 2.30 pm (AEST) Saturday, 12 April 2025
Where: North Sydney Oval, Sydney
For tickets to the SMARTECH Super Rugby Women's Grand Final click Ticketek
The game will be televised Live on Stan Sport – The Home of Rugby
