Mate v mate: Chapman primed for clash of the Titans

Star centre Jamie Chapman admits there will be mixed emotions when the Jillaroos kick off their title defence against Fetu Samoa in the opening round of the Rugby League World Cup on Friday.  

While the 24-year-old is determined to begin the Jillaroos' campaign with a win, she will have to do so against a host of Gold Coast team-mates, with Samoa boasting no fewer than eight Titans in their squad.

"At the Titans we have such talented girls, I am really proud to see them represent their culture and make the Samoan team," she said.

Amidst a side packed with world-class talent, dual Olympian and ex-Jillaroo Evania Isa'ako will feature in her first RLWC with Samoa.  

Having played with Australia at the 2022 World Cup, Isa'ako committed to Samoa in 2024, honouring her mother's heritage.  

"I’m so happy she’s in that squad, no one deserves it more than her, she is so dedicated," said Chapman. 

After stepping away from the game to give birth to her first child in 2025, Isa'ako produced an outstanding NRLW season on her return.

Transitioning from her previous role as a fullback into the second row, Isa'ako averaged more than 100 run metres per game and scored eight tries to win her place in the Dally M Team of the Year.

"If you go to the Titans club, she's there most days out of the week," said Chapman.

"She deserves every second of this campaign in the world cup, and to represent her culture, I know her parents are going to be so proud."

While Chapman will be cheering on her Titans teammates throughout the tournament, sentiment will be put aside for 80 minutes on Friday as the Jillaroos look to kick off with a win over one of the competition's emerging forces. 

"I'm excited to come up against them as much as I am proud of them, I know they are going to give it to us," she said.

Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner said despite Australia's unbeaten three-time World Cup prestige, the 2026 tournament will prove a huge challenge with the Kiwi Ferns, Fetu Samoa and England all coming to get them.

"We are here with the mindset that we are going up against tough teams, everyone has been in an NRLW system," said Skinner.  

"It's going to be a lot tougher for us this year, but we are up for the challenge.

"I am really excited to see what Samoa does in this World Cup - what they did to the Kiwis in the last Pac Champs was very exciting.

"We know from experience that Samoa brings a massive crowd, and a sea of blue.

"It might not feel like a home game at times but we want to make sure there is green and yellow amongst them too."