Wallaroos playmaker Carys Dallinger will make an "emotional" Test start against the world champion Black Ferns in Thursday's (7pm AEST) O'Reilly Cup opener in Brisbane.
Dallinger was born and raised in New Zealand but is eligible to represent Australia through her father Steve.
The 23-year-old played for the Hurricanes this season before taking up an offer to play for the Reds in Super W.
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Dallinger immediately impressed in guiding Queensland to the final and the Wallaroos came knocking.
"It's kind of crazy," Dallinger told reporters when first picked in the squad in May.
"Dad was born here and then they moved to New Zealand and then my grandparents had another kid over in New Zealand. He lived here very briefly and we've all grown up in New Zealand. It was luck of the draw I guess.
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"The black jersey was the goal obviously growing up in New Zealand but at the end of the day, international rugby is where I need to be, it doesn't matter where.
"I've come in and felt really connected. The girls and the coaches have made me feel at home. I've really found a home here."
Dallinger made her Test debut in the 22-5 win over Fiji in Sydney in May.
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The Wallaroos are yet to record a victory over New Zealand in 23 attempts.
"When I do think about it I get quite emotional because those are my friends and people I've grown up playing alongside," Dallinger said.
"It'll be quite different but I think you've got to play the best to be the best so it'll be an experience in itself…
"Quade Cooper is one of my favourite players, even before all of this stuff came about.
"I love Quade Cooper, both being 10s and both doing the same stuff. Love his sidestep, love everything about him. I watched him growing up. He's awesome."
Wallaroos lock Michaela Leonard will captain her first Test as skipper Piper Duck continues to recover from injury.
The Black Ferns have named six uncapped players, including prop Kate Henwood and wingers Katelyn Vahaakolo and Mererangi Paul in the starting lineup.
Vahaakolo is a former New Zealand league international.
WALLAROOS (15-1): Faitala Moleka, Maya Stewart, Georgina Friedrichs, Cecilia Smith, Ivania Wong, Carys Dallinger, Layne Morgan, Grace Hamilton, Ashley Masters, Kaitlan Leaney, Annabelle Codey, Michaela Leonard (c), Eva Karpani, Tania Naden, Bree-Anna Cheatham
Reserves: Madison Schuck, Emily Robinson, Bridie O'Gorman, Sera Naiqama, Emily Chancellor, Jasmin Huriwai, Arabella McKenzie, Alana Elisaia
BLACK FERNS (15-1): Renee Holmes, Mererangi Paul, Amy du Plessis, Sylvia Brunt, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ruahei Demant (co-c), Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Kennedy Simon (co-c), Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Tanya Kalounivale, Georgia Ponsonby, Kate Henwood
Reserves: Luka Connor, Krystal Murray, Amy Rule, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Kendra Reynolds, Iritana Hohaia, Rosie Kelly, Tenika Willison
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