Joseph is among the 30-strong Black Ferns squad named to face Australia in the O’Reilly Cup test in Brisbane next Sunday.
Joseph, 21, who had a standout season for Matatu, made her Black Ferns debut against the United States in the Pacific Four series in May.
She retained the starting No 9 jersey for their game against Canada and came off the bench against Australia in the final game of the series.
The Otago Spirit playmaker is joined by two Matatu team-mates, experienced prop Pip Love, who has been recalled, and hooker Atlanta Lolohea, who will make her debut if selected in the game-day 23.
Loose forward Lucy Jenkins has also been selected for the first time in 2024, alongside Chiefs Manawa lock Chelsea Bremner.
Manawa loose forward Mia Anderson has been named for the first time in the absence of co-captain Kennedy Simon, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury.
Awhina Tangen Wainohu, Charmaine Smith, Grace Leaso Gago, Kate Henwood, Marcelle Parkes, Santo Taumata and Sophie Fisher are also unavailable through injury.
Black Ferns director of rugby Allan Bunting said consistency within the squad had made for a competitive selection process.
"We wanted to see consistency within our squad to prepare to face Australia, but also wanted to ensure those who missed out on the Pacific Four Series had their opportunity to put their best foot forward", Bunting said.
"We have a few injuries, but we have a competitive group of wāhine who are eager to step up and take ownership of the chance they are given".
"We know that Australia will be continuing to adapt and improve with their new coaching group.
"We are excited for that challenge and provides us with another test to prepare ahead of our England test and WXV1 tournament", Bunting said.
The Black Ferns assembled in Auckland yesterday and leave for Brisbane on Sunday.
Black Ferns
O’Reilly Cup squad
Props: Aldora Itunu, Chryss Viliko, Phillipa Love, Amy Rule, Tanya Kalounivale. Hookers: Atlanta Lolohea, Georgia Ponsonby, Luka Connor. Locks: Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos. Loose forwards: Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Layla Sae, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Lucy Jenkins, Mia Anderson. Halfbacks: Iritana Hohaia, Maia Joseph. First fives: Hannah King, Ruahei Demant. Midfield: Amy du Plessis, Grace Steinmetz, Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt, Monica Tagoai. Outside backs: Katelyn Vahakoolo, Mererangi Paul, Patricia Maliepo, Renee Holmes, Ruby Tui
— Additional reporting RNZ
