Kelleher's golden opportunity at 'home' World Cup

Jocelyn Kelleher has done it all this season – but one goal remains to be achieved to cap off a truly remarkable season.

While no stranger to the Australian Jillaroos set up, having been selected in the Pacific Championships extended squad last year, an on-field call-up remains a dream for the talented half.

After sweeping this year’s State of Origin series with the NSW Blues and then capping the NRLW season with a premiership win with the Roosters, taking to the field in her first IRL Rugby League World Cup would be icing on the cake.

“I get to live my dream,” Kelleher said when asked about being selected for the Jillaroos.

“Obviously it's everything that as a rugby league player you strive for. To make the Jillaroos and getting to play a World Cup on home turf, it's really special.

“Honestly, it's a dream and it's a massive goal of mine.

“It's so exciting to be here.”

This season, Kelleher formed a successful partnership with halfback Tarryn Aiken, including in their the dominant 30-6 grand final win over the Broncos.

Aiken has now returned to the Australian set up after missing last year through injury, with Jillaroos incumbent halfback Jesse Southwell also recalled for representative honours this year.

It’s an embarrassment of riches for coach Jess Skinner in the playmaking ranks and it will be a tough decision to make before the first official Team List Tuesday prior to Friday night’s opening clash against an impressive looking Samoa outfit.

Either way however, Kelleher was making sure she made the most of every opportunity in camp and viewing it as a chance to be even better.

“(I am enjoying being) around the girls to learn, soak up as much as I can, and get into training,” Kelleher said.

“(I am hoping) to learn as much as I can.

“Obviously, the goal is to play, but again, just learning, training, getting this experience with this group of people.”

Born in Gosford and a Central Coast Roosters junior, Kelleher is one of a number of ‘locals’ in the squad who are feeling right at home in camp, with the Jillaroos being based in Terrigal in preparation for their opening match.

“I'm only 10 minutes down the road, so it is home,” Kelleher said.

“I've grown up here and it's really exciting to be here.”

Amongst the other players from the region is newly appointed skipper Isabelle Kelly, who also captain’s Kelleher at the Roosters.

“She took me under her wing when I first got here and she's probably my biggest rugby league inspiration, my idol,” Kelleher said.

“The way she leads is incredible, it's inspirational.

“Everyone wants an Isabelle Kelly next to them on the field, and I'm the lucky one that gets to be that person.

“She's an incredible person, incredible human, incredible player.

“Honestly, no one can speak highly enough of her.”

The Jillaroos will launch the women’s matches in the Rugby League World Cup on Friday night at CommBank Stadium against Fetu Samoa.