Jillaroos in focus: NRLW season set to pick World Cup squad
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"Versatility will be a major advantage and could separate one player from another when a Harvey Norman Australian Jillaroos squad is announced to defend their World Cup crown in November."
Those words were the main takeaway when speaking to Jillaroos coach Brad Donald during the 10-week editorial series for leading commercial partners Harvey Norman.
The ability to not only be versatile but live up to the expectations of valuing the Jillaroos jersey both on and off the field by leaving it in a "better place" will play a major role in who is selected.
The Jillaroos have an enormous amount of depth to choose from when they come up with a 24-player squad with fresh faces expected to come into the frame and old faces in line for a return.
Here’s a final overview on the contenders vying for World Cup spots with the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership kicking off on August 20 to have a major bearing on final selections.
World Cup contenders by position
Fullbacks
Dragons star Emma Tonegato joins the likes of Knights fullback Tamika Upton, Titans gun Evania Pelite and returning mum-of-two Sam Bremner as the leading candidates for the No.1 jersey.
Bremner will replace Corban Baxter at fullback for the Roosters in 2022, giving her the chance to push for her third World Cup at season’s end.
The beauty here for the Jillaroos is every player is cable of shifting to other spots in the backline if required, meaning they’re all a genuine chance of being selected.
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Wingers
Incumbents Tiana Penitani (Eels) and Shakiah Tungai (Broncos) will go into the NRLW season starting in different positions compared to when they last pulled on the green and gold in 2019.
Penitani is set to start in the centres for the Eels once more while Tungai, returning from an 18-month break from the game, is no guarantee to make the Broncos’ starting 17 in round one.
A host of wingers and versatile outside backs are on their heels including Broncos trio Julia Robinson, Jaime Chapman and Emily Bass, Titans veteran Karina Brown and Dragons young gun Teagan Berry.
Centres
There are a quality of options for the Jillaroos at centre with Roosters stars Isabelle Kelly and Jessica Sergis at the top of the tree.
The pair of incumbents will only need to get through the NRLW season to likely feature in this year’s World Cup.
Among those pushing the pair at centre include Evania Pelite, Shenae Ciesiolka, Tiana Penitani, Julia Robinson and Jaime Chapman.
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Five-eighth
The race to the No.6 jersey appears to be a four-way battle with Jillaroos incumbent Kirra Dibb springing to life in the recent State of Origin clash to remind selectors of her capability in the halves.
Dibb will go into her second season at Newcastle determined to lock in a starting spot and will come up against fellow five-eighth contenders Tarryn Aiken, Taliah Fuimaono and Zahara Temara throughout the season.
Temara is the most experienced international player in the group with five Tests for the Jillaroos to her name.
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Halfback
Jillaroos captain Ali Brigginshaw is the front runner for the No.7 jersey but has Dragons halfback Rachael Pearson gunning for her halves spot going into the second NRLW season of the year.
Pearson's Sky Blues got the upper hand over Brigginshaw's Maroons in June but expect the veteran to bounce back with the Broncos out for revenge after last season's semi-finals exit.
Another player set for a comeback and with higher honours in her sights is World Cup winner Caitlin Moran, while former Eel Maddie Studdon is an experienced Jillaroo but is without an NRLW contract this season.
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Props
A plethora of props are vying for World Cup spots with at least six alone coming from the recent State of Origin fixture.
NSW forwards Millie Boyle and Caitlan Johnston were at their dominant best that night while Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Jess Elliston, Sarah Togatuki and Shannon Mato also put their hand up.
Then there's others to consider like Eels forward Kennedy Cherrington and versatile young gun Keilee Joseph.
Hooker
An intriguing battle for the No.9 jersey awaits with incumbent Keeley Davis looking to take part in her first World Cup.
Hot on her heels include Titans skipper Brittany Breayley-Nati, who has returned to the field in style this season and has a World Cup win and 10 Test matches to her name.
Dragons hooker Quincy Dodd, Titans playmaker Lauren Brown and Roosters young gun Destiny Brill also offer plenty of utility value.
Second Row
The battle for an edge back-rower spot in the Jillaroos side is officially open with several putting their hand up to either return or feature for their country at the World Cup.
Incumbents Kezie Apps and Tallisha Harden continue to lead the way while Titans forwards Tazmin Gray and Annette Brander have been there before and got the job done.
There are a host of other contenders including Dragons back-rower Shaylee Bent, young gun Tiana Raftstrand-Smith and Knights recruit Yasmin Clydsdale.
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Lock
The final position of lock can be mixed in with front row candidates under middles or be used as an additional playmaker in a utility role.
Leading contenders include Knights forward Hannah Southwell, Eels lock Simaima Taufa, Dragons veteran Holli Wheeler and Rooster Destiny Brill.
If the Jillaroos opt for an extra playmaker in the No.13 jersey, the options are endless and could even include incumbent captain Ali Brigginshaw, who has played a lock role at the Broncos previously.
