Twelve True Blues have been selected for Australia to play in the historic women’s Test match between the Jillaroos and England in Las Vegas next month.
The most-capped Westpac NSW Blues women’s player, Kezie Apps, with 14 games for her state since 2014, has been named joint skipper with Maroons half Ali Brigginshaw.
Apps' NSW Blues co-captain Isabelle Kelly (both pictured above), who has 15 Test caps, was also named.
The Jillaroos selected today feature the return of NRLW Dally M Player of the Year Olivia Kernick, who missed last year’s Pacific Championships.
But she will be part of first women’s Rugby League international to be played on American soil at Allegiant Stadium on 1 March, as part of the opening NRL round featuring two matches.
Following the resignation of Australian coach Brad Donald, his assistant Jess Skinner who was also part of the 2022 World Cup winning staff, has been appointed interim Jillaroos coach. It is the first time a woman has been put in charge of the Jillaroos team.
She coached the Western Rams for four years (2018-21), was Newcastle Knights NRLW assistant coach in 2021, coached the First Nations Gems side at the 2024 Women’s National Championships, and was Indigenous All Stars coach in their win over Maori in Townsville last year.
Skinner named 21 players today to face England.
The 12 True Blues in the squad are forwards Apps, Yasmin Clydsdale, Keeley Davis, Quincy Dodd, Olivia Higgins, Olivia Kernick, Simaima Taufa, Sarah Togatuki; and outside backs Kelly, Tiana Penitani, Jessica Sergis, Jakiya Whitfield.
