Rugby league: New caps for Kiwi Ferns cup squad

Three new caps have been named in the Kiwi Ferns women's rugby league team to defend their World Cup crown at North Harbour this year.

The three are Marion Heather of Auckland and Wellington pair Dawn Patelesio and Fuarosa Time.

Nine countries have confirmed they are coming for the event and the competition will have two pools for round robin play.

New Zealand beat Great Britain 26-4 in the final of the 2000 cup in England.

The countries pencilled in for the tournament from September 28 to October 12 are Australia, Britain, Russia, Cook Islands, Samoa, United States, Tokelau Islands and Papua New Guinea, along with a New Zealand Maori team.