• Eight debutants named in the Auckland Storm squad to face the Whio.
• Eloise Blackwell will captain the team for the first time.

Head Coach Richie Walker has named 8 debutants in his squad to face the Taranaki Whio for the opening round of the Farah Palmer Cup.

Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Shannon Muru and Sylvia Brunt will make their first appearance for the Auckland Storm, with Mele Tu’inukuafe, Ti Tauasosi, Lydia Quedley-Turua and Grace Kukutai set to appear off the bench this Sunday in Taranaki.

Along with a group of new blood taking the field, the team will be lead upfront by Auckland Storm veterans Aldora Itunu, Aleisha Pearl Nelson, Charmaine McMenamin and Eloise Blackwell, who will be running out as captain for the first time in her career.

It will also be a long-awaited return for Shannon Leota if she makes her way onto the field this weekend. It will mark the end of a four-year break from the Auckland Storm after being out with a serious knee injury.

Due to the revised competition format of North Island and South Island pools, with no Championship and Premiership divisions, The Storm will meet Taranaki for the first time in 7 years. Their 2013 result saw the Auckland Storm come out victorious 53-14 at Yarrow Stadium.

Head Coach, Walker is excited to get his season underway despite short pre-season preparations. “We have only had three chances to get together and prepare for the Taranaki game, but the squad have reacted well, and the girls are excited to get into the season. I have no doubts that the team will be ready to go come Sunday” 

Auckland Storm vs. Taranaki Whio

1.Aldora Itunu 2. Cristo Tofa 3. Aleisha Pearl Nelson 4. Eloise Blackwell (C) 5. Maia Roos 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u 7. Shannon Muru 8. Charmaine McMenamin 9. Moana Cook 10. Ruahei Demant 11. Princess Elliot 12. Sylvia Brunt 13. Theresa Fitzpatrick 14. Nathalia Moors 15. Patricia Maliepo 16. Chryss Viliko 17. Mele Tu’inukuafe 18. Shannon Leota 19. Ti Tauasosi 20. Luisa Togotogorua 21. Lydia Quedley-Turua   22. Grace Kukutai