Joseph, who was awarded a New Zealand Rugby contract recently, has made the 30-strong squad for a Pacific Four Series that includes home tests in Hamilton, Auckland and Christchurch.
The talented halfback will compete with Hurricanes Poua livewire Iritana Hohaia for the No 9 jersey.
Rising Blues lock Maama Vaipulu and Hurricanes Poua first five Hannah King are the other potential debutants in the squad.
There is a big investment being made in the 20-year-old King as she is the only specialist first five option outside the experienced Ruahei Demant, though Joseph also has experience at playmaker.
Powerful Blues tighthead prop Aldora Itunu earns her first Black Ferns call-up since 2021, while converted Matatū loosehead prop Marcelle Parkes and tenacious Hurricanes Poua midfielder Monica Tagoai return for the first time since 2019 and 2018 respectively.
Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting said the intense nature of the Super Rugby Aupiki competition had made for a competitive selection process.
“We are hugely excited by the squad we have selected for the Pacific Four Series.
"We have seen these players perform strongly during Super Rugby Aupiki and their selection is credit to their consistent form across the competitive season.
“This series is extremely important for us, not only to provide an opportunity to expose our new players to the international stage, but to seek qualification up for the WXV1 tournament at the end of the year.”
Ayesha Leti-I’iga (knee), Awhina Tangen Wainohu (neck), Joanah Ngan-Woo (ankle), Santo Taumata (knee) and Sophie Fisher (neck) were unavailable for selection.
The Black Ferns will open their season with a test against the United States in Hamilton on May 11.
Their other tests in the Pacific Four Series are against Canada (Christchurch, May 19) and Australia (Auckland), the latter doubling as the O’Reilly Cup.
“We are looking forward to the upcoming months," Bunting said.
"To have the opportunity for our whānau and fans to see the team is special. We are excited about the challenge that lies ahead for us."
Black Ferns
The squad
Props: Kate Henwood (Chiefs Manawa), Chryss Viliko (Blues), Marcelle Parkes (Matatū), Tanya Kalounivale (Chiefs Manawa), Amy Rule (Matatū), Aldora Itunu (Blues).
Hookers: Luka Connor (Chiefs Manawa), Georgia Ponsonby (Matatū), Leaso Grace Gago Tiatia (Blues).
Locks: Maiakawanakaulani Roos (Blues), Charmaine Smith (Chiefs Manawa), Maama Vaipulu (Blues), Alana Bremner (Matatū).
Loose forwards: Kennedy Simon (Chiefs Manawa, co-captain), Layla Sae (Hurricanes Poua), Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (Blues), Kaipo Olsen-Baker (Matatū).
Halfbacks: Iritana Hohaia (Hurricanes Poua), Maia Joseph (Matatū).
First fives: Ruahei Demant (Blues, co-captain), Hannah King (Hurricanes Poua).
Midfielders: Sylvia Brunt (Blues), Amy du Plessis (Matatū), Grace Steinmetz (Chiefs Manawa), Monica Tagoai (Hurricanes Poua).
Outside backs: Ruby Tui (Chiefs Manawa), Mererangi Paul (Chiefs Manawa), Katelyn Vaha’akolo (Blues), Patricia Maliepo (Blues), Renee Holmes (Chiefs Manawa).
