New Zealand's Shanice Parker to face Australia in Pacific Cup final in Sydney

When ex-Wallaroo Shanice Parker runs out against Australia in a New Zealand jersey, she will be honouring a former Jillaroo in her mother and her Maori father.

Parker will enter Sunday's Pacific Cup final at Western Sydney Stadium as a key strike weapon for the Kiwi Ferns, who are desperate to upset Australia on home turf.

But, despite previously representing Australia in rugby union and having her mother represent the Jillaroos in the first World Cup in 2000, Parker has no split loyalties.

Instead, she sees the ability to play for New Zealand as a chance to represent something that was a "missing piece" in her life for a long time.

It was only around age 11 that Parker learned of her biological father, Robin, back in New Zealand before making contact through a family friend a few years later.

It was then he too learned of her existence before the pair spoke and Parker was welcomed with open arms and able 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.

"So, I kind of didn't really question it until I went into the high school phases of life and you're forming your identity and different parts of my personality.

"I would kind of notice I've had different traits to my siblings and I would draw towards different areas.

"Finding that missing piece of the puzzle for me was forming who I was as a person. It was probably a big transition period for me and through high school."

The Newcastle star's journey to be able to meet her father was in part coincidence, with an aunty realising she knew a relative of his.

But upon meeting the other side of her "whanau" over the Tasman with Robin and his family, Parker has been able to embrace her Maori heritage.

That has come in the 27-year-old's football through the black jersey, and in life with Parker and her son spending time in New Zealand with her biological father.

"It's just crazy the role that your DNA and characteristics and stuff can play even with identity and sense of self," Parker said.

"Once I met my dad, it was just a feeling. Even just being in these Test camps and being around the girls, we all kind of have the same culture.

"The culture and the connection, that's what really has drawn me to representing all my father's side."

In playing Test football, the Kiwi Ferns centre also feels she is able to honour her mother, who has never had any issue with her going up against Australia.

"It means I have the best of both worlds," Parker said.

"She was my rock growing up. She's definitely instilled so many values in me.

"I've seen the pioneers of our game, the trailblazers, where it all started and I think that's definitely shaped the player I am today.

"I definitely honour her when I go out there, too. I try and bring a bit of what she gave to me."

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