The Jillaroos have received a huge boost 100 days out from the Rugby League World Cup with star fullback Sam Bremner said to be recovering well from the high ankle sprain that forced her from the field during the Women's Interstate Challenge.
The 2013 World Cup Player of the Tournament had to be carried off WIN Stadium during New South Wales' 22-6 win over Queensland after aggravating an injury she'd picked up in the first half.
Bremner said she heard two pops just before she collapsed to the turf in agony, sparking fears the champion fullback could miss the World Cup starting on November 16.
However, Bremner's teammates are confident she will overcome the high ankle sprain and play a key role as the Aussies look to defend their title on home soil.
"I think it's been downgraded a little bit so she's obviously done all the right things after the game," Blues teammate Kezie Apps said at a media call on Cronulla Beach.
"I think she's only out for about four weeks before she can start her rehab again with running and stuff. She's in really good spirits."
Jillaroos skipper Ruan Sims added Bremner's love of fitness and wellbeing played a big part in her recovery.
"I think that has a lot do with the fact Sam does a lot of rehab work so she might have got a few sessions in before the physio saw her. She's always on top of stuff like that," Sims said.
"Sammy brings a lot of fun and excitement and a big skill set to the team. On and off the field she has a huge amount of value and she'll definitely be there at the end of the year."
The news is equally positive for Apps who claimed Player of the Match honours in the Interstate Challenge in what was her third game back from a debilitating broken leg suffered at the Auckland Nines.
While she's still experiencing moments of pain, the barnstorming back-rower is confident she'll be good to go come the tournament opener.
"I was really sore actually," she said when asked how she'd pulled up from the game.
"It was my first big game back since my injury – I'd only had two club games under my belt – and I struggled a little bit out there but I pushed through and I had my teammates there to encourage me and keep pushing me along. I'm still recovering from it – my foot's a bit sore – but it'll be right."
