Experienced halfback Laura Mariu has inherited the captaincy of the Kiwi Ferns ahead of their women's rugby league Test against Australia.
A veteran of the team for 15 years and four World Cup finals, Mariu takes over as skipper from fullback Sarina Fiso, who hasn't recovered from a knee injury suffered at the Auckland Nines tournament in February.
She will lead the Kiwi Ferns against the Jillaroos in Brisbane on May 1. The match is a curtain-raiser for the men's Anzac Test at Suncorp Stadium.
Mariu, 34, says she was overwhelmed to learn of her promotion from new coach Alan Jackson.
"In terms of leadership, I guess I've always played a role because of the position I play, but captaincy is not something that's ever come my way."
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Mariu represented New Zealand in softball for five years before switching codes in 2000.
The New Zealand squad of 23 will be reduced to 18 on Sunday before Jackson names his starting team on Tuesday.
Kiwi Ferns squad: Laura Mariu (capt), Katarina Allen, Shontelle Dudley, Maitua Feterika, Teuila Fotu-Moala, Georgia Hale, Iriana Huriwai-Sasulu, Sita Kuruyabaki, Nora Maaka, Kelly Maipi, Lilietta Maumau, Krystal Murray, Kimiora Nati, Hilda Peters, Rona Peters, Kahurangi Peters, Krystal Rota, Kristina Sue, Tasha Tapu, Crystal George-Tamarua, Atawhai Tupaea, Janna Vaughan, Sharnita Woodman.
