Premiership-winning Roosters five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher will make her international debut after being named in the Australian line-up to face Samoa in their opening game of the IRL Rugby League World Cup.
Kelleher will partner with fellow Roosters playmaker Tarryn Aiken who returns to the Jillaroos jersey after missing last year’s Pacific Championships campaign through injury.
Gold Coast Titans game breaker Jaime Chapman also returns to the green and gold, named on the wing. Her last appearance was in the Pacific Championships in 2023, while forwards Simaima Taufa, Shaylee Bent and Millie Elliott also make their return to the international stage, forming the basis of a powerful pack to contend with the force of Fetu Samoa.
“We have been preparing well and have had an excellent camp so far and I am excited to see the players finally take to the field,” coach Jess Skinner said.
“We know we have a tough battle against Samoa first up and have picked a strong team we know can get the job done.
“I am excited to be able to give Jocelyn her Jillaroos debut.
“She has worked very hard and got a taste of this level of competition last year during the Pacific Championships where she was a valuable member of the extended squad.
“We all saw how well she and Tarryn were able to control the game in the grand final and they have a strong combination we are hoping will help provide an edge against Samoa.
“She is ready to go and has definitely earned her place on the field this year.”
The match will also be a milestone game for centre Jess Sergis, who will play in her 15th Test match for Australia.
Sergis, who debuted in 2019, will line up in the centres alongside her Roosters and newly appointed Australian captain Isabelle Kelly.
Australian Jillaroos v Fetu Samoa
1. Tamika Upton
2. Jaime Chapman
3. Jess Sergis
4. Isabelle Kelly (c)
5. Julia Robinson
6. Jocelyn Kelleher*
7. Tarryn Aiken
8. Millie Elliott
9. Olivia Higgins
10. Simaima Taufa
11. Kezie Apps
12. Shaylee Bent
13. Olivia Kernick
14. Keeley Nizza
15. Keilee Joseph
16. Tiana Penitani Gray
17. Ellie Johnston
18. Makenzie Weale
19. Abbi Church
Coach: Jess Skinner
* denotes debut
