Hancock ready to lead PM's XIII in Suncorp return

Australian Prime Minister’s XIII captain Steph Hancock wants to help the Jillaroos prepare for the World Cup in a potential swansong match on home turf at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

Hancock, who is the all-time leading try-scorer in Jillaroos history with 13 in 20 Tests for her country, will lead a star-studded PM’s XIII side against Papua New Guinea’s PM’s XIII following the NRLW semi-finals in Brisbane.

The 40-year-old has all but ruled out a potential World Cup call-up, conceding there are other middle forwards ahead of her, but will relish the chance to lead her country in the PM’s XIII fixture.

“I thought my days were gone in the green and gold so I’m grateful Brad [Donald] gave me the call,” Hancock told NRL.com.

“You need some senior heads around the place to teach the history and show the girls what it means to represent your country, what it feels like and what the expectations are.

“When I first played I was told exactly how it works by some of the greats of the game and you want to pass that onto the next generation, especially leading into the World Cup.

“It’s a four-week campaign and you can’t afford to drop the ball in any game you play.”

Hancock will be alongside six of her Titans teammates and eight Broncos after both clubs were knocked out of the NRLW finals last week while five players will play from the Indigenous Women’s Academy in Canberra.

The passionate Queenslander said the Titans and Broncos players had to address their disappointment early on in camp.

“We were all miserable earlier in the week so spoke about getting over it quickly,” Hancock said.

“You can tell how excited the girls are to redeem themselves and then having the girls from the AIS as well will make it a great experience.

"This is their opportunity to show the selectors what they’re made of and everyone will have a chance to showcase their ability before the World Cup.

"The PNG girls have also improved out of sight from when I last played them so will present a very tough challenge."