Legendary Wallaroos front rower Liz Patu is coming out to play in Sunday’s Super W opener against the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua at the Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.

It was over a year ago, Patu announced her retirement from international rugby after she became pregnant to her first child.

With the support of her partner Vilikesa Raboiliku, she gave birth to a baby son, Peter.

Now, just 242 days after becoming a first-time mum, she’s set to make her return to top-flight footy in Queensland’s 2024 Super Rugby Women’s opener against the Fijian Drua.

Patu is under no illusions about the Round 1 challenge facing her side – a grand final rematch against reigning champs Fijiana Drua – but believes Queensland can shake their title drought with the right mentality in 2024.

“It’s going to be a tough game and some of our girls haven’t played on this kind of stage yet, but they’ve come a long way. Fiji have come a long way too and our girls will be up for the challenge and challenging themselves against the best,” she told rugby.com.au.

The Mosese Rauluni-coached Drua flew out to Brisbane, this morning. The match kicks-off at 3.35pm

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj