Having achieved a coveted home IRL World Cup call-up and on the cusp of a special milestone, Jillaroos flyer Jess Sergis is hoping to play her part as Australia aim to claim their fourth international title.
Australia will launch this year’s women’s World Cup tournament with a blockbuster at CommBank Stadium against Samoa, with Sergis earning her 15th Jillaroos cap, a special achievement only reached by a select group of women.
The rare milestone was something the Roosters premiership winner had been aiming for since first pulling on the green and gold jersey.
“I can't believe that I'm here,” Sergis said.
“I think 2017 was my chance to debut and obviously did my knee that year, so never got that opportunity.
“It's been such a big ride and one of my goals was to get 15 games in this jersey, so I'm so glad that I'm here.
“I actually thought I was a few games off, but it was definitely a big shock, but so excited to do it with this team.”
Sergis – who was also part of the 3-0 Origin series ‘bluewash’ for NSW this year – has the chance to cap a perfect season if the Jillaroos can defend their trophy.
However, the side face a strong first-up challenge against Samoa, who have named a talent-packed side for the match.
“I think their team are stacked, they've got Amber Hall there, Vani [Evania Isa’ako], Fui [Taliah Fuimaono] in the halves, so I don't think it's going to be easy," Sergis said.
“I know it's going to be a battle and they've got some really big bodies that are going to really test us, but I back my squad.
“We're really excited for the challenge.
“No game's going to be easy, we're just really excited to get our first game under our belt.”
While the World Cup comes at the end of a massive year for Sergis and a number of her fellow Blues and Rooster teammates, including captain Isabelle Kelly – the star centre said she and the team were fit and firing, with the prospect of finishing the year with another trophy being a ‘the cherry on top’ of a perfect season.
“I feel great,” Sergis said.
“It's been a big year, but it's been the best and I'm just excited to keep playing my footy and I'm so glad that it's not over yet.
“(I am) really going to take every opportunity with both hands and just have the best time with my team mates.
“We just want to play our style and play the best to our ability and enjoy it.
“World Cups don't come around too often and we really just want to soak up the opportunity and make the make the most of it.
“I've never had the opportunity to play a World Cup on home soil, so, I think it would just be a cherry on top for this team (to win the tournament).
“Not only that, a few girls in this squad; we're getting a little bit older now, so it could potentially be the last one we have here.
“I think it would just be the best feeling in the world, being at home, being supported with all our fans and our family.”
Match: Australia v Samoa
Round 1 -
home Team
Australia
away Team
Samoa
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
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