Maddison Levi, Australia's Sevens rugby star, is set to make her Wallaroos debut in the team's 100th Test against New Zealand in Auckland on August 22. This announcement comes as part of a new aligned program, with Levi joining teammates Tia Hinds, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, and Bienne Terita in the squad. The 24-year-old has already achieved remarkable success in Sevens, becoming Australia's highest-ever try-scorer on the Sevens World Series and recently surpassing 250 tries. Her inclusion in the Wallaroos squad is a significant development, as she joins a group of talented players, including NSW Waratahs flyer Amelia Whitaker, Queensland Reds skipper Jemma Bemrose, and Western Force forward Pia Tapsell, who are all uncapped. Whitaker, in particular, is a rising star, having been named Waratahs Player of the Year after a standout season. The squad also includes several players returning from injury, such as Caitlyn Halse, who is in line for her first appearance in 2026. However, several key players are on the sidelines due to injuries, including defending Player of the Year winners Tabua Tuinakauvadra and Georgina Friedrichs, as well as Faliki Pohiva, Adiana Talakai, Ella Ryan, and Brooklyn Teki-Joyce. Despite these challenges, the Wallaroos program is embracing a fresh start, with Director of Women's High Performance Tim Walsh emphasizing the importance of a disciplined and focused approach to achieving big ambitions. Walsh's coaching team, including Mike Ruthven, Reg Tayler, Ben Mowen, and Duncan Chubb, will guide the side in the upcoming New Zealand Test and WXV Global Series. The 100th Test match promises to be a significant occasion, with the Wallaroos aiming to set a platform for future success, and the inclusion of Maddison Levi is a strategic move to enhance the team's strike out wide. As the Wallaroos prepare for this historic match, the focus is on maximizing potential and building a strong foundation for the road to 2029.
