Boom NSW teen creates Australian rugby history

May 15, 2024 Sports 62 Views

Caitlyn Halse will make Australian rugby history on Friday when the NSW fullback takes the field for the Wallaroos as a 17-year-old.

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has named Halse in the No.15 jersey ahead of veteran Lori Cramer to play the United States in Melbourne.

Halse has been a strong performer for the Waratahs for the last two seasons and will break the 30 year record of Sharyn Williams as the youngest ever Wallaroos player at AAMI Park.

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Caitlyn Halse of the Waratahs passes the ball at AAMI Park. (Getty)

She is also younger than any Wallabies player in Test history.

“Just an overwhelming feeling,” Halse told reporters on Wednesday.

“Obviously getting to play for your country’s a massive thing in any sport but, it was obviously a big dream of mine since I was a little kid. It’s a surreal feeling getting the chance to play for your country but being one of the youngest to do it is a great feeling.”

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Elsewhere, halfback Samantha Wood replaces Layne Morgan and prop Eva Karpani starts ahead of Bridie O’Gorman.

Australia were beaten 33-14 by Canada in their Pacific Four Series opener on Saturday.

The United States are 0-2 in the competition after heavy losses to Canada and New Zealand.

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“Despite the result, we took a lot of positives from our first hit out,” Yapp said.

“We are also aware of our areas to work on and the players have worked really hard on these this week.”

WALLAROOS (1-15): Brianna Hoy, Tania Naden, Eva Karpani, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard (c), Siokapesi Palu, Ashley Marsters, Piper Duck, Samantha Wood, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Trilleen Pomare, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Caitlyn Halse

Reserves: Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Sally Fuesaina, Bridie O’Gorman, Atasi Lafai, Leilani Nathan, Layne Morgan, Faitala Moleka, Lori Cramer