Olympian named in Queensland’s team for Next Gen Sevens decider

For the first time during this year’s Next Gen Sevens season, Olympian Kahli Henwood has been named to play for Queensland. With the competition coming down to a final-round decider in Byron Bay, Henwood’s inclusion couldn’t have come at a better time.

New South Wales took out the opening round of the season at Sydney’s Forshaw Park on points difference, but the Queenslanders bounced back last weekend in Toowoomba. Everything is up for grabs as the two arch-rivals prepare to play another four matches on Sunday.

The Queenslanders have only made one change to their roster with Henwood set to wear the No. 4 jumper, with Fleur Ginn dropping out of the side. Wallaroo Carys Dallinger and Fa’agase Tupuola-Palale are other players to watch at Byron Bay Rugby Union Club.

In the opening round in Sydney earlier this month, Tupuola-Palale was probably the standout for the Queenslanders. The 2023 Australian Schoolgirl Sevens representative scored three tries across the opening two games, including a double in a thrilling 12-10 loss.

Tupuola-Palale was back among the try-scorers in the second round of the competition, with Rhani Hagan, Amahli Hala and Tahlia Evans also getting on the scoreboard during a thrilling day of play at Toowoomba Sports Ground.

Queensland won the first match by a dominant 31-7 before falling to 19-7 in the second fixture. While the hosts avenged that defeat with an emphatic 29-7 victory in the next match, the women in sky blue once again hit back with a tense 14-12 win in the last match.

Once again, just as they had done the week before, the two sides split the day with two wins each. That sets up an enthralling final round competition as the two teams challenge for title glory, while also staking their claim for future sevens honours.

“Next Gen is such an amazing comp for all the girls coming through,” 2023/24 SVNS Series Rookie of the Year nominee Katilin Shave told RugbyPass and Rugby.com.au.

“It allows you to showcase what you’ve been working hard with your club and your state back at home and stuff like that.

“It’s a good opportunity to go out and play and have fun with our teammates while also showcasing what you have in front of some coaches that might be having a bit of a look around.

“For me, I think last year when I played Next Gen was really great opportunity for me to put myself forward for selections and stuff like that.

“If you look at our team now, our Australian team, there’s quite a few girls that played both in the Queensland and New South Wales (teams).

“It’s a great lead into Australia A or even getting selected for the Australia program.”

The final round of the 2024 Nex Gen Sevens will get underway from 9:45 am AEDT on Sunday morning at Byron Bay Rugby Union Club, Byron Bay.

Queensland Next Gen 7s team

1. Sophie Duff
2. Rhani Hagan
3. Amahli Hala
4. Khali Henwood
5. Madison Pomerenke
6. Caitlin Urwin
7. Carys Dallinger
8. Faythe Manera
9. Taleah Ackland
10. Tahlia Evans
11. Ava Wereta
12. Fa’agase Tupuola-Palale