Jocelyn Kelleher had a decision to make - represent her English heritage or keep chasing the Australian dream she had worked so to achieve.
After a breakout season with the Roosters, the 26-year-old was weighing up whether to represent England at the World Cup or back herself to make the Jillaroos squad despite a logjam of classy playmakers at coach Jess Skinner's disposal.
Among those in front of her was legendary Bronco Ali Brigginshaw, who many expected to be given the nod to play at a fourth World Cup.
But Kelleher backed herself, choosing the green and gold and being rewarded with a stunning debut in Australia’s 40-0 win over Samoa, kicking six goals from seven attempts and setting up a try in the tournament opener.
“I had to choose between England and Australia a couple of weeks ago. My mum’s born in England, so I’m half-English,” Kelleher said.
“I did consider playing for England. It’s half my heritage, where my mum was born and where she grew up.
Jessica Sergis Try
“I’ve worked so hard and Australia’s where I’m born, so I wanted to go for Australia this World Cup, but hopefully one day in the future I do get to represent England.”
In the end, Brigginshaw’s experience across 27 Tests and three World Cups was not enough to earn her a spot ahead of Kelleher, Jesse Southwell and Tarryn Aiken, but far from kicking stones she made an effort to reach out to the star Rooster ahead of her debut.
“Ali actually messaged me the day before the game to say good luck and it was really nice to see that message. It gave me a lot of confidence," Kelleher said.
“She’s a pioneer of the game, she’s a legend, leading the women’s game and she’s done so much for the game.
:I did think she would be in here. I did have to think who was in front of me but I’ve worked so hard this year and I wasn’t ready to give up on my dream to play for Australia and I’m really glad I didn’t."
Kelleher had plenty of familiar faces around her on Test debut in the shape of Roosters teammates Aiken, Olivia Kernick, Keely Nizza, Millie Elliott, Jess Sergis and captain Isabelle Kelly.
Olivia Kernick Try
That familiarity helped Kelleher settle into the occasion, and partnering Aiken in the halves made the transition even more seamless for the 26-year-old.
“Some of those girls are my best friends, getting to do this with them is really cool,” she said.
“Having Tazzy in the halves with me, it’s made my journey really easy and she’s helped me all week and along the way.
“This would have to be up there with probably my best moment in rugby league. I’m speechless, I have no words to describe it and I can’t wait for the rest of the World Cup."
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