It is the first time that the area has sent away such a large number of players due to the introduction of the NSW Development side this year which sees players from both the Hunter and Sydney competitions getting the chance to display their talent along side the NSW Country team.

After finishing third last year NSW Country will be looking to put the pressure on arch rivals Sydney as they both compete against the formidable Queensland side for not only the championship but for places in the Australian Wallaroo side.

The Hunter’s own Wallaroo Tobie McGann who will be lining up for NSW Country as both fullback and flyhalf is, “excited at the prospect of testing ourselves against the best female rugby players this country has to offer.”

NSW Country will play Queensland and ACT on Wednesday and Thursday and look to enter the playoff round on Friday.

For the NSW Development side, the National will follow on from a trial match against ACT where they were able to play together for the first time and find some continuity as a team.

NSW Development will play Australian Services and South Australia in their second division pool on Thursday and Friday.

NSW Country: Margaret Watson, Tobie McGann, Tammy Clay, Sarah McMullen-Roach, Natalie Vardanega, Angela Hipwell, Dana Lautaimi, Renee Cross, Rebecca Young, Dayle Clampitt, Laura Brisbane, Casey Stevenson and Liberty Watters.

NSW Development: Arlyn Mills, Jerry Bergmann, Skye Lovett, Kirsten Garlick, Neanthe Marsh, Minah Mauli, Kylie Allen, Jess Dagger, Melissa Tuka Brooks, Kiya Simmons, Sarah Riordan and Cindy Flynn.