LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The 'missing piece' that turned ex-Wallaroo Parker into a Kiwi Fern
When ex-Wallaroo Shanice Parker takes the field against Australia in a New Zealand jersey, she will be honoring her mother, a former Jillaroo, and her Maori father.
Parker is set to be a crucial strike weapon for the Kiwi Ferns in Sunday's Pacific Cup final at Western Sydney Stadium, as they aim to defeat Australia on their home ground.
Though Parker previously represented Australia in rugby union and her mother played for the Jillaroos in the inaugural World Cup in 2000, she feels no divided loyalties.
For her, playing for New Zealand represents a vital aspect of her identity that was missing for many years.
Parker discovered her biological father, Robin, in New Zealand around the age of 11. A few years later, through a family friend, she reached out and learned of her father's existence, leading to a warm welcome that allowed her to embrace her Maori heritage.
"I always kind of had this sense that there was a missing piece," Parker told AAP.
"But I've got a dad in Perth who pretty much raised me and he's awesome."