Counties Manukau Heat coach Glen Sharpe has confirmed his squad for the upcoming Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse.
The squad includes nine players with experience in either the Black Ferns or Black Ferns XV, alongside 14 newcomers set to pull on the hoops for the first time.
Ruby Tui, Mererangi Paul, Jaymie Kolose, Tara Turner, Hazel Tubic, Grace Gago, Leilani Perese and Esther Afoa-Tilo have all featured in Black Ferns squads.
Meanwhile, Harono Te Iringa joins Paul, Kolose, Turner and Gago in the current Black Ferns XV group.
Players from local clubs Manurewa, Patumahoe, Pukekohe and Weymouth as well as local school Rosehill College are included along with a handful of players from outside the region.
“We’re proud to name a squad that blends exciting young talent with proven experience, setting a strong foundation for continued progress,” Sharpe said.
“This group reflects our commitment to both present performance and future growth, building on the gains from last season.
“It’s a balanced mix, driven young players learning from experienced leaders, all focused on the same vision for the future.
“This season, it’s about our young women stepping up, the experienced women leaning in, and the coaching team all working together towards the same goal.”
2025 Counties Manukau Heat: Esther Afoa-Tilo*, Esther Amataga, Rebecca Burch, Kataraina Enosa-Taifau**, Joanna Fanene-Lolo, Halapupuahi Finefeuiaki*, Grace Leaso Gago Tiatia, Katrina Hall*, Irene Haupeakui*, Sina Hetet, Jaymie Kolose, Mele Latu’ila, Tiale Lelenga*, Abby Lockhart*, Paige Makiri, Margaret Manase, Paris Mataroa, Aotearoa Matau, Maddison-Rose Motuliki*, Mariaereinei Nikolao*, Sariyah Paitai, Mafi Pasikala, Mererangi Paul, Ffion Penney, Leilani Perese, Alicia Print*, Lana Samuelu, Fou Sefo, Teuila Sotutu*, Deonn Spencer*, Milise Tau*, Ti Tauasosi, Harono Te Iringa, Shyanne Thompson, Hazel Tubic, Ruby Tui, Tara Turner*.
*denotes first-time Heat player
**denotes unavailable due to injury
