League: Kiwi Ferns coach names side to face Australia in Women's Rugby League World Cup final

Kiwi Ferns captain Laura Mariu. Photo / Photosport

Kiwi Ferns Coach Tony Benson has named his side for tomorrow's Women's Rugby League World Cup final against the Australian Jillaroos at Suncorp Stadium.

Captain Laura Mariu will hang up her boots for the last time after playing in her fifth World Cup final tomorrow, before retiring from international rugby league.

Mariu is hopeful she can bring her 17-year Kiwi Ferns career to a close lifting the Cup one more time.

"To say it will be a special moment is an understatement," said Mariu.

"Our team is ready to get out there and put it all on the field. We have so many people to thank for the masses of support we have received this year and in the lead up to this World Cup – we just hope to make them all proud."

Veteran teammate and the tournament's top try-scorer after pool play, Honey Hireme, will start on the wing with Women's Player of the Tournament, Teuila Fotu-Moala, featuring in the back-row.

Benson says selecting the team to play in the final was no easy task.

"Based on the performance of all 24 players in the squad during this World Cup, selecting this team has been the toughest decision so far," said Benson.

"I'm excited about the team we've put forward and I'm confident it fits the game we need to play against Australia."

A win for the Kiwi Ferns would see them secure their fourth World Cup title since their win at the inaugural Women's World Cup in 2000.

For the first time, the women's final will take place on the same day at the same venue as the men's World Cup decider.

Women's Rugby League World Cup Final - Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos, Saturday 6.45pm at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Kiwi Ferns: 1. Apii Nicholls-Pualau, 2. Atawhai Tupaea, 3. Maitua Feterika, 4. Shontelle Woodman, 5. Honey Hireme, 6. Raecene McGregor, 7. Kimiora Nati, 8. Lilieta Maumau, 9. Krystal Rota, 10. Aieshaleigh Smalley, 11. Teuila Fotu-Moala, 12. Hilda Peters, 13. Laura Mariu (c).

Interchange: 14. Nita Maynard, 15. Krystal Murray, 16. Ngatokotoru Arakua, 17. Amber Kani, 18. Georgia Hale, 19. Louisa Gago.