'I didn't think I'd make the squad': ACT Brumbies winger Halley Derera is the rapid Super W star

A glance at her efforts on the wing in her rookie Super W campaign can tell you that. But how fast are we talking?

They say she can cover 8.5 metres per second - certainly enough to give the Melbourne Rebels a headache ahead of their final Super W clash at Coffs Harbour International Stadium on Saturday morning.

Derera has been a revelation on the wing for the Brumbies after moving to Canberra from Melbourne, where she made a name for herself on the rugby sevens circuit.

She has been so devastating that she would hardly seem out of place in a Wallaroos squad later this year, as Rugby Australia looks to lock in new dates for a postponed series against Samoa.

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"I guess six months ago I wouldn't have seen myself in a Brumbies jersey, and now I'm so grateful to be in one," Derera said.

"I don't really see a limit, I always want to better myself. I always look at my performances and think about what I could do better.

"If doing better gets me further, that would be great. I'm really happy to be out here representing the Brumbies.

"Look, I didn't even think I'd make the squad ... Every minute I'm out there, I'm so happy I get to play. It's so fun, the girls make it really fun.

"Even when I'm really nervous and I doubt myself a lot, everyone tells me to back myself which is just the best."

Derera will line up on the wing in a new-look back three for the clash with the Rebels.

Ash Bishop, who booted the Canberra Royals to an ACT Premier XVs premiership last year, has been called in to debut at fullback.

Teenage sensation Teliya Hetaraka has been tasked with steering the ship at flyhalf after Ella Ryan was ruled out injured.

Hetaraka's shift into the halves sees Siokapesi Palu revert to inside centre, while Talei Qalo Wilson returns to outside centre.

Captain Michaela Leonard moves to the back-row with Ash Fernandez partnering Emily Sogal in the second-row, while Grace Kemp starts at No. 8.

"We're all really excited to see Ash get a start," Brumbies coach Dan Hawke said.

"She's still learning her craft, but we think she'll give us an added element with her exceptional kicking game.

"We're not happy with how results have gone here in Coffs but the performance against the Waratahs has given the group a lift and we're chomping at the bit to go out and finish on a high against the Rebels."

SUPER W FINALS DAY

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Coffs Harbour International Stadium, 9am. Broadcast live on Stan Sport.

ACT Brumbies squad: 1. Iris Verebalavu, 2. Harriet Elleman, 3. Louise Burrows, 4. Ash Fernandez, 5. Emily Sogal, 6. Michaela Leonard (c), 7. Rebecca Smyth, 8. Grace Kemp, 9. Jane Garraway, 10. Teliya Heteraka, 11. Halley Derera, 12. Siokapesi Palu, 13. Talei Qalo Wilson, 14. Tess Staines, 15. Ash Bishop. Replacements: 16. Montana Ojeda, 17. Niki Paterson, 18. Kimberley Fyfe, 19. Zali Waihape-Andrews, 20. Pearl Rakete, 21. Susannah Cooke, 22. Apryll Green, 23. Claudia Obst.

Melbourne Rebels squad: 1. Janita Kareta, 2. Ashley Marsters, 3. Eirenei Nanai, 4. Nuala O'Connor, 5. Tiarah Minns, 6. Michaela Maunsell, 7. Melanie Kawa (c), 8. Willow Rowland, 9. Georgia Cormack, 10. Jade Te Aute, 11. Kelera Ratu, 12. Allysaa Loliesio-Pua, 13. Annie Buntine, 14. Amy Williams, 15. Jemma Collins. Replacements: 16. Emily Harvey, 17. Celeste Utumapu, 18. Maryann Utai, 19. Norma Fuaiva'a, 20. Nawel Remini, 21. Nawel Remini, 22. Kessica Campbell, 23. Kirsty Matapa, 24. Sarah Hogan.

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