Rugby Union: Fast learner Leaney in line for Wallaroos debut

Now the 21-year-old lock is set for her national team debut.

Leaney and Newcastle product Layne Morgan were on Wednesday named in a 32-strong squad for tests against Fijiana and Japan. Ashley Marsters and Janita Kareta, who played for the Hunter Wildfires in the Jack Scott Cup last year, are also in the squad.

Now based in Sydney, Leaney is among 22 uncapped players in the group. The first Test is against Fijiana at Suncorp Stadium on May 6. They meet Japan at Bond University on May 10.

** Southern Beaches have benefited from the Tahs' withdrawal from Divisional Rugby, picking up Frank Roberts and Tyson Tenari.

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** Bruce Gilroy was a member of the 1960 Wanderers first grade premiership side and until Saturday hadn't been back to No.2 Sportsground. Gilroy lives at Tallwoods, near Forster, and struck up a friendship with Merewether stalwart Gary Jones.

Jones offered to bring Gilroy down to a derby but COVID and then wet weather curtailed those plans. They finally made the trip on Saturday and Gilroy presented the first grade jumpers to the Wanderers players.

"Bruce was fantastic," Wanderers coach Dan Beckett said. "He hadn't been to No.2 since his last game, 60 years ago. He told the boys it was great to be home and to rip in. It was kind of Gary to organise it. Rugby is about connections and friendships and that was a prime example. Bruce was still at the ground at eight o'clock. His wife said it made his year."

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