Steele (18), also a Junior Black Sticks hockey representative, is one of 10 Otago players across the Ditch with the men's and women's under-19 and under-21 teams for their three-match series against Australia.
''It's pretty awesome to be named co-captain and it's such an honour,'' Steele told the Otago Daily Times from Sydney.
The teams arrived in Australia on Monday and have been training in temperatures close to 30degC in preparation for the opening match, something the players had to do, Steele said.
''The week in Australia has been so hot and the training has been very tough, but we need it to be prepared for the Australians.''
Steele, an Otago Daily Times 2014 Class Act recipient, finished secondary school at Columba College last year and will study for bachelor's degrees in physical education and applied science degrees, at the University of Otago this year.
She was part of the Columba College team that finished second in the South Island championships in November, and she also plays for the Otago women's team.
The under-19 side she will co-captain with Alana Fraser (Horowhenua Kapiti) also includes Otago's Kiana Pelasio.
Despite having limited time to prepare for the Australian challenge, Steele said she was ready but also nervous.
MacKenzie Haugh, Otago's only player in the men' under-21 side, has also been given a key role.
He has been named as a flag bearer alongside Tauranga's Jessica Mahar for the opening ceremony.
Haugh, a former King's High School pupil, will also represent the New Zealand open mixed team at the world championships at Coffs Harbour, Australia, in April.
The second and third matches in the series will be played on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
by Robert van Royen
