The New Zealand BlackJacks field three new caps for the 2025 Trans-Tasman series against the Australian Jackaroos set to take place at the Naenae Bowling Club in Wellington from 31 January to 2 February 2025.

At just 20 years of age, Briar Atkinson has been promoted to the women’s premier team, earning her the cap #61 after an outstanding season of growth and performances. Atkinson will lead for Selina Goddard in the Pairs just as they did at the recent Hong Kong Classic. World Champion Tayla Bruce will continue her role in the Singles and Triples. Leeane Poulson and Val Smith will pair up in the Triples and Fours, while Katelyn Inch is unavailable due to work commitments as a new paramedic in Australia.

On the men’s side, Keanu Darby from Dunedin joins established BlackJacks Shannon McIlroy and Ali Forsyth in the top team. Darby’s close friend and most recent addition Finbar McGuigan (#117) will be officially presented with his cap after being promoted during the 2024 Trans-Tasman. Completing the men’s team is Sheldon Bagrie-Howley who returns in both the Triples and Fours.

The third new cap will be presented to Kurt Smith, who will join the para team. Smith will team up with veteran Mark Noble in the Para Men’s Pairs, while the “Peas in a Pod” World Champion duo of Teri Blackbourn and Julie O’Connell reunite for the Para Women’s Pairs. The four will also compete in a Mixed Pairs format.

A unique aspect of the para team will be Kerrin Wheeler and Sue Curran, who will compete together in the Vision Impaired (VI) Mixed Pairs. While both have represented New Zealand in the past, this marks the first time they will play as a pair, with each player assisted by a Director - Colin Wheeler (Kerrin) and Margaret Davies (Sue).

In the development team, Lisa Prideaux has earned the Women’s Singles spot after consistent performances throughout the season. Natasha Russell, a Sydney-based Kiwi who skipped the New Zealand Under-26 team at the recent Oceania Challenge, will return home to skip the Triples and play at three in the Fours. Caitlin Thomson of Tauranga will join Russell in those disciplines, while Kim Hemingway and Sarah Scott retain their places from the 2024 Trans-Tasman series.

The men’s development squad is led by senior player Blake Signal, who will skip the Triples and Fours alongside newcomers Kaylin Huwyler and Hamish Kelleher. Both Huwyler and Kelleher have started the season in strong form, with Kelleher recently winning the NEV Mixed Pairs and performing well at the Oceania Challenge with the Under-26 team. Huwyler, named 2023 Emerging Player of the Year, also impressed at the Oceania Challenge with the Aotearoa Māori team. Robbie Bird, who stepped up as a late replacement in the 2024 Trans-Tasman development team, has earned his place after a strong start to the season, including a win at the prestigious Stoke Pairs event. Bird will partner with Aiden Takarua in the Pairs.

Mike Kernaghan, Head Coach and Convenor of Selectors, expressed his enthusiasm for the team. “We’re excited to welcome Briar, Keanu, and Kurt into the BlackJacks, and we look forward to working with them to help them reach their full potential. Their inclusion reflects our ongoing efforts to build squad depth. The selectors have had some quality debate during discussions, but I’m confident in the team we’ve chosen.”

Kernaghan acknowledged the tough calls made on team selection, particularly for those who missed out, including Tony Grantham, Lance Pascoe, Pam Walker, Steve Delaney, Bronwyn Stevens and Ray Martin, all of whom were part of the 2024 squad. “The door is never closed in our sport, and I know these players will continue to push for selection in future events,” he said.

The Trans-Tasman series will simulate the sets play format for the 2025 World Cup (Hong Kong) and 2026 Commonwealth Games (Glasgow) in the Singles and Pairs disciplines, while the Triples and Fours will play the traditional 18-ends and 15-ends format respectively.

The event will be hosted by Naenae Bowling Club in Wellington from 31 January to 2 February 2025.

~ AT A GLANCE ~

Trans Tasman International  |  New Zealand vs Australia
31 January – 2 February 2024
Naenae Bowling Club, Wellington

Open Men’s and Women’s disciplines – Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours
Para Men/Para Women disciplines – Pairs, Mixed Pairs
Para VI discipline - Mixed Pairs