Wellington Pride Wider Training Squad announced

Wellington Pride head coach Ross Bond has named a 50-strong wider training squad to prepare for pre-season matches against Hawkes Bay and Manawatu in the lead up to the 2017 Farah Palmer Cup.

The squad named by Bond includes nine players from the Victoria Tavern Trophy winning Oriental-Rongotai side as well as seven from the Old Boys University team they beat in the women's Division 1 final. 

The Ories contingent includes exciting wing Ayesha Leti-I'iga who scored three tries in the final, while there are also nine players from the Northern United club.

"We've named an extended squad that reflects the performances we've seen in the club competition this year," Bond said. "We wanted to recognise club form and reward players who have shown consistency throughout the season."

The extended squad will prepare for two preseason matches, against Hawke's Bay, in Ashurst on August 19, and Manawatu, in Palmerston North on August 26.

Bond said he would trim the squad down to 30 players after the second preseason match in preparation for the team's Farah Palmer Cup opener against Hawke's Bay at Porirua Park on Saturday, September 2.

The Wellington Pride Wider Training Squad is:

Oriental-Rongotai: Raylene Lolo, Janet Taumoli, Alicia Print, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Lilian Mapu, Reijeli Uluinayau, Kauna Lopa, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Clare Beauparlant.

Old Boys University: Susannah Crawford, Georgia Scott, Holly McDonald, Gina Williamson, Montana Heslop, Tawny Burgess, Sherri Burgess.

Marist St Pats: Lyla To'omaga, Jaydeh Timu, Cheyne Copeland, Monica Tagoai, Tina Vaaua-Hamlin, Sinead Ryder-Toala, Jane Bryce.

Poneke: Patricia Kalolo-Apolinaro, Leah Perret, Sau Ualesi.

Paremata-Plimmerton: Tyra Misky, Alia Ah Far, Tove Svanborg, Paiton Koko Lutan.

Petone: Angel Uila, Petra Kriklanova, Hope Hakopa, Acacia Te Iwimate.

Northern United: Dora Laupola, Leah Connelly, Sanita Levave, Xavier Tusa, Brenda Collins, Lekah Leti, Lyric Faleafaga, Dhys Faleafaga, Vaine Marsters.

Wainuiomata: Alice Soper, Kiri Mei, Brooke Tauaneai, Jackie Fereti, Elieta Taito.

Hutt Old Boys Marist: Tyler Bentley, Rosie Stirling.

*The squad's first training will be on Tuesday August 8 at 6pm to 8pm at Rugby League Park. Anyone unavailable please contact Pride Manager Mareena Connelly: 0276882544