Final Wellington Pride squad named for Farah Palmer Cup
Wellington Pride Head Coach Zak Feaunati has named a 33-player squad for the upcoming 2022 Bunnings Warehouse Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) campaign.
Consisting of familiar names from the Hurricanes Poua and Black Ferns as well as up-and-coming local talent, the Wellington Pride are looking to unleash onto the Bunnings FPC stage in 2022 and one up their preliminary final defeat in 2021.
The experience of Black Ferns Joanah Ngan-Woo and Angel Mulu will bolster the Pride’s forward pack, alongside decorated lock/loose forward, Jackie Patea-Fereti.
The midfield looks strong with the Super Rugby pairing of Hurricanes Poua player, Monica Tagoai and Waitomo Chiefs Manawa player, Georgia Daals, while Oriental Rongotai, Hurricanes Poua and Black Ferns outside back, Ayesha Leti-I'iga will be looking to continue her form from the Pacific Four Series where she scored a hattrick against the USA and was player of the match against Canada.
“We have put together a squad of experience and youth, and that's exciting to see. We know we have the talent here so our focus is about making sure we get that connection as a team so the girls can go out there and express themselves on the big stage,” said Feaunati.
The squad is once again captained by former Black Fern and most capped Pride player, 34-year-old loose forward Jackie Patea-Fereti, who has led the side on and off since 2012. Patea-Fereti is also the captain of Petone and co-captained the inaugural Hurricanes Poua during the 2022 Super Rugby Aupiki competition.
Head Coach Zak Feaunati said Patea-Fereti is a fantastic talent and strong leader, and he is thrilled to have her lead once again.
With a handful of new additions to the side, a few highlights include Hurricanes Poua utility back Teilah Ferguson linking up with former Otago Spirit teammate Maddie Feaunati who returns home after two seasons in the deep south. Off the back of a strong performance for Northern United, sister duo Te Kura and Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate join the squad, while Alexis Tauaneai returns to the squad alongside her peer and local college player Justine McGregor.
“The new additions are only going to strengthen the squad. Ultimately these players will be competing for places in the match squad, which will be exciting to see in the upcoming weeks,” said Feaunati.
2022 SQUAD
Ana Afuie, Marist St Pats
Hosanna Aumua, Avalon
Tyler Bentley, Petone
Cheyne Copeland, Marist St Pats
Georgia Daals, Marist St Pats
Maddie Feaunati, Marist St Pats
Teilah Ferguson, Poneke
Nina Foaese, Northern United
Harmony Ioane, Northern United
Isadora Leio-Laupola, Northern United
Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Oriental Rongotai
Raylene Lolo, Oriental Rongotai
Milly Mackey, Petone
Justine McGregor, Marist St Pats
Paige Misky, Northern United
Angel Mulu, Northern United
Thamsyn Newton, Marist St Pats
Joanah Ngan-Woo, Oriental Rongotai
Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate, Northern United
Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate, Northern United
Jackie Patea-Fereti, Petone
Ashlyn Pescini, Poneke
Alicia Print, Petone
Bernadette Robertson, Oriental Rongotai
Tamara Ruaporo, Northern United
Sinead Ryder, Oriental Rongotai
Ivana Samani, Oriental Rongotai
Oneata Schwalger, Northern United
Monica Tagoai Marist St Pats
Alexis Tauaneai, Wainuiomata
Jaydah Timu, Marist St Pats
Angelica Uila, Petone
Sydnee Wilkins, Marist St Pats
FIXTURES
Round 1: SATURDAY 16 JULY 2022, 12:05
Porirua Park
Wellington Pride v Canterbury
Round 2: SUNDAY 24 JULY 2022, 14:05
Navigation Homes Stadium
Counties Manukau Heat v Wellington Pride
Round 3: SUNDAY 31 JULY 2022, 14:05
Porirua Park
Wellington Pride v Waikato
Round 4: FRIDAY 6 AUGUST – SUNDAY 8 AUGUST 2022
BYE
Round 5: SATURDAY 13 AUGUST 2022, 14:05
Central Energy Trust Arena
Manawatu Cyclones v Wellington Pride
Round 6: SATURDAY 20 AUGUST 2022, 11:35
Porirua Park
Wellington Pride v Bay of Plenty Volcanix
Round 7: SATURDAY 27 AUGUST 2022, 12:25
Eden Park
Auckland Storm v Wellington Pride
Semi-finals: FRIDAY 2 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2022 (TBC)
Finals: FRIDAY 9 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2022 (TBC)