The Volcanix are ready to kickstart their 2022 Farah Palmer Cup (presented by Bunnings Warehouse) campaign after a week one bye. They will depart Tauranga Airport on Saturday morning for their away game against the Manawatu Cyclones in Palmerston North on Sunday, 24 July. 

“Our pre-season has been really good. Fitness and team connections have been the focus,” says Volcanix Head Coach Brent Kaua. 

“There were some challenges with the late finish to the club season, which restricted us to one pre-season game, but we got what we needed from it.” 

The 23 players who make up the Volcanix playing squad will be led by Captain and Black Fern Luka Connor and is the first opportunity for the new Volcanix coaching group to work together in an FPC game. 

Special congratulations must go to Shaye Adams, Olive Watherson, and Kiri Ngawati. They will start this Sunday for their Volcanix debuts, an exciting moment for them and their families. 

“If you look across the 23 we’ve selected - there’s a great mix of experience and youth. No one person stands out,” says Kaua. 

“Our whole squad is vital. Executing our roles well creates freedom.” 

Manawatu will pose a strong first-up challenge for the Volcanix on their home turf. Despite losing their round 1 matchup vs Waikato, the Cyclones were still able to pile on 24 points. 

“They have strikers everywhere like us. They have a good first-five controlling the ship - she’s a triple threat, so shutting down her space is important,” says Kaua. 

“Our coaching staff has every belief in our Volcanix women to head down to Palmerston North and put on a performance they can be proud of.” 

The Bay of Plenty Volcanix vs Manawatu Cyclones kicks off Sunday, 24 July, from 12.05 pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1 (channel 051). 

Volcanix Round 2 team vs Manawatu Cyclones 

1. Shaye Adams* 
2. Luka Connor (C) 
3. Santo Taumata 
4. Kelsie Wills (VC) 
5. Tynealle Fitzgerald 
6. Les Elder 
7. Kendra Reynolds 
8. Pia Tapsell 
9. Payton Takimoana 
10. Kiki Tahere 
11. Olive Watherston* 
12. Renee Wickliffe 
13. Kiri Ngawati* 
14. Olivia Richardson 
15. Kalyn Takitimu-Cook   

16. Natalie Delamere 
17. Kate Henwood 
18. Jessie Wharekura 
19. Helena Coughlan 
20. JayJay Taylor 
21. Emma Flynn* 
22. Kataraina Stainton* 
23. Phoenix Paniora* 

*Volcanix debut 

Article added: Friday 22 July 2022