There is a compelling mix of youth and experience in the 2017 Auckland Storm squad as the 15-time NPC champions look to again challenge for the provincial title.

Eighteen of the 37-strong squad appeared for the Storm in 2016, where they were runners-up, to Counties Manukau, in the inaugural Farah Palmer Cup.

Eight of the number, mostly forwards, are in Ireland with the Black Ferns who are seeking to clinch a fifth Women’s Rugby World Cup, and most will be rejoining the squad, after a short break, when that event winds up on August 26.

No less than 12 have yet to represent Auckland, while former Black Ferns halfback, the evergreen 39-year-old Emma Jensen of the College Rifles club, will lead the way with her vast experience, not to mention record 422 points from her 74 Storm outings.

“Her experience is going to be massive for the younger girls. I think this will be her final year, so we’ll try to absorb all her knowledge while we still can,” says new Storm head coach JP Fa’amausili, who steps up from his previous assistant role. His lieutenant will be Chris Tautiaga.

Fa’amausili had a close eye on the women’s premier club scene, and guided Marist to a 15-10 victory in Saturday’s Coleman Shield final against College Rifles. All his squad hail from these two clubs and Ponsonby, with the exception of outside back Talei Kidd, who featured in Waitakere’s 10s development team.

“She’s an exciting player. There’ll obviously be less room than in sevens and 10s, but she has a lot of skills and good footwork, so we’re keen to see how she goes,” says Fa’amausili.

Another young rookie to have impressed in the club season is Marist loose forward Joanna Fanene, who was at Onehunga High School just last year and has already represented Auckland Under 18.

“It’s an exciting bunch and some good girls have come through the three Auckland premier clubs. We’ve got a good balance of experience and fresh faces, so I’m excited to see how they go,” says Fa’amausili.

The Storm kick off their Farah Palmer Cup campaign with a September 2 away fixture against Bay of Plenty in Whakatane. There is likely to be a pre-season clash with Counties Manukau on August 26. - Campbell Burnes

Outside backs:

Talei Kidd (Waitakere) *

Apii Nicholl (Ponsonby) *

Lose Mafi (Marist, 6 caps)

Hasting Leiataua (Marist, 9)

Tiana Ngawati (College Rifles, 11)

Corina Nanai (College Rifles) *#

Midfielders:

Eleni Leiataua (Marist) *

Theresa Fitzpatrick (Ponsonby, 19) +

Mele Hufanga (Marist, 33)

Onji Leiataua (Marist, 36)

Umu Taliu (College Rifles, 9)

First fives:

Ruahei Demant (College Rifles, 16)

Benji Tova (Marist) #

Tess Gardner (Ponsonby) *#

Halfbacks:

Emma Jensen (College Rifles, 74)

Aeron Warbrooke (Ponsonby, 13)

Loose forwards:

Joanna Fanene (Marist) *

Jacqui Aiono (Marist) *

Linda Itunu (Ponsonby, 44) +

Moana Fine Levi Aso (Marist)

Rebekah Tufaga (College Rifles) *

Leanne Thompson (College Rifles)

Clementine Varea (College Rifles) *

Charmaine McMenamin (Ponsonby, 36) +

Bridie Reeves (College Rifles) *#

Locks:

Eloise Blackwell (Ponsonby, 41) +

Rebecca Burch (College Rifles, 9)

Charlene Gubb (College Rifles, 30) +

Manutalaaho Huni (Ponsonby) #

Hookers:

Karina Stowers (Marist, 67)

Fiao’o Fa’amausili (Marist, 97) +

Props:

Kalo Cuther (Marist) *

Manaia Fotu-Moala (Marist, 1)

Aleisha-Pearl Nelson (Ponsonby, 49) +

Aldora Itunu (Ponsonby, 25) +

Faasea Taliu (College Rifles) #

Maki Saena (Marist) *#

NB. Caps listed are appearances for the Auckland Storm

*Potential 2017 Storm debutante

+Black Ferns’ 2017 WRWC squad member

#Wider training squad player

Storm Farah Palmer Cup fixtures in 2017:

September 2 v Bay of Plenty, Whakatane

September 9 v Canterbury, Auckland

September 16 v Counties Manukau, Auckland

September 23 v Wellington, Porirua

September 29 v North Harbour, Albany

October 7 v Manawatu, Palmerston North

October 14 v Waikato, Auckland