Overview

• Leaney will share captaincy duties with flanker Emily Chancellor, becoming the 20th player to captain the Wallaroos.
• The decision was made this week in Manchester as Australia finalized preparations for Saturday’s Pool A opener against Samoa at Salford Community Stadium.
• Both co-captains have been named to start in the forward pack, with former skippers Michaela Leonard and Piper Duck also in the run-on side.
• Leaney, who did not play at the 2022 World Cup, highlighted Samoa’s physical, fast, offload-heavy style and stressed the need for connected attack and defense.
• Prop Brianna Hoy is set for a return from an ACL injury off the bench, as Australia targets early momentum before tests against the USA and host England.