Janita Kareta, Ashley Marsters and Karen Nabalarua add size, experience and class to a Wildfires outfit which won division two last year after finishing fifth on the ladder.

Kareta can play prop or hooker, has represented Australia A and was the Rebels' Super W player of the year last season.

"She played for Australia A in Fiji in 2020 and is on the player of national interest watch list," Saunders said. "She is a dynamic front-rower and her lineout throwing is superb."

Masters and Saunders were Wallaroos teammates at the 2014 World Cup and the former is the currently in the national squad.

"Ash has been to two World Cups and can play just about anywhere," Saunders said. "She was used at hooker by the Rebels last year but I'll probably slot her in at outside centre to cover for Liz Kennedy, who moved to Sydney for work. "

Nabalarua is Fijian and equally adept in the back-row or centres.

"Karen is a super athletic and is a great pick-up," Saunders said.

The majority of last season's squad, including exciting youngsters Sophie Clancy, Kaitlan Leaney and Kayla Waldron, has returned. Peta Salter is captain.

Prop Tammy Clay has retired, while her daughter Candice is playing in Spain and will rejoin the squad when she returns.

"If you can keep the core of the team together, you are almost guaranteed that the team will continue to improve," Saunders said.

Emma Bradford, Jess Gentle, Anika Butler, Leaney, Zara Lee, Trudi Peterson, Walker and Waldron are also in the Newcastle University side competing in the AON National Sevens Series.

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The second sevens regional qualify in Newcastle clashes with the Wildfires' opening round against Sydney University on April 10. Sydney University also compete in the sevens and will be without a host of players.

"They are committed to the AON and train with us when they can," Saunders.As soon as their season finishes they will be 100 per cent with us. They will improve from their time in that squad, which is great."

The Wildfires men and women launch their season at the NEX Club on April 9 where Alan Jones (AO), new Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos and a host of former Wallabies headed by Nick Farr Jones, David Campese will be special guests.

Wildfires: Emma Bradford, Tori Brazier, Anika Butler, Sophie Clancy, Susannah Cooke, Sian Filipo, Jess Gentle, Kate Holland, Annika Jamieson, Taylah Juckes, Janita Kareta, Steph Klimovitch, Kaitan Leaney, Zara Lee, Annabel Leighton, Selina Lisiua, Gabbie Loades, Ashley Marsters, Karen Nabalarua, Trudi Peterson, Lucy Plowman, Peta Salter, Katie Stampford, Kiara Shleton, Maryann Utai, Kayla Waldron, Ashleigh Walker, Brookel Walklate, Theresa Welhelmus, Mackenzie Young

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