Marcelle Parkes and Kahlia Awa set sights on Black Ferns

Returning Black Fern Marcelle Parkes and rookie Kahlia Awa talk to media about their selection in the Black Ferns contracted playing group for 2024.
#BlackFerns #BFFs #LikeABlackFern
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[@ropativ7483]

*That was a great choice of selection with Kahlia Awa!!! She is still young, and her ability to control the game from back of the forwards was impressive - every time she is fielded from the bench!!! Her distribution skills, offence and defence are very good!!! I see Awa as having tonnes of potential to become a formidable half back, as that of Kendra Cocksedge. Good eye of selection and congrats to Kahlia Awa!!!*

[@DarkMoonWayfarer]

I agree. She's great, and you can see that she's a very confident person for her age. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu is lacking speed, both in terms of explosiveness and actually getting to the ruck on time. She went missing in action at times last year, which really doesn't suit the style of play they want for the BF's. 4 really good halfback selections. Iritana Hohaia is probably first choice currently. Maia Joseph & Ariana Bayler can also cover 10 and both are goal kickers.

[@ropativ7483]

@@DarkMoonWayfarer Iritana is great in distribution, defence and attacking runs but she would have to improve on her kicking game, and I feel she is almost there to become a full package! Ariana Bayler and Maia Joseph are developing well too. BUT, this young player Kahlia Awa has that unique spatial awareness, with pretty good instant decision making behind breakdowns! She seems to have that ability where she knows when to slow down or rapidly fire her backline or forwards into offence action, with powerful distribution left or right!!! She seems to have that x-factor on top of being fearless. Love her game when she came on the field!!!*

[@DarkMoonWayfarer]

@@ropativ7483 Yeah, Awa looks to be a future star. That's a good point about knowing when to slow and speed up play. For me it looks like the BF's were trying to play at full speed 100% of the time last year and it just wasn't working...and you're right, it's the halfback that controls that tempo. Totally agree about the kicking game for Hohaia. Kendra Cocksedge's departure really left a hole and puts more pressure on Demant to be the sole playmaker. Hopefully they can implement a kicking game not only with the halfback but also the midfield, especially that heads-up-kick into space for territory and put pressure on the opposition. The future is looking bright.

[@VernonHowe-rs1lt]

Marcelle Parkes and Khalia Awa is great chioces. All The Very Best, and also to all the other girls selected. Go Full Out and Full Steam Black Ferns.

[@Sunflower-dt6ev]

Two brilliant picks. Now it's time to mahi up ladies, all in 👏👏👏

[@georgemiller1307]

Smart. The change of position. Loosehead is easier to learn💯

[@TheAtomsman]

I so wanted to hear the interview but the sound quality was poor from the interviewer.