Keen student Southwell ready to put her lessons into practice

Jesse Southwell calls Tarryn Aiken 'the best in the game', and the 21-year-old is about to get the best seat in the house to learn from her.

For the past fortnight, Southwell has lined up on the opposition side at Jillaroos training, doing everything she can to test the starting team. On Sunday, she’ll wear the No.6 against Wales and partner Aiken in the halves for the first time.

When Aiken’s ACL injury ruled her out of last year’s Pacific Championships, it opened the door for Southwell’s Australian debut. Twelve months on, the pair will finally line up together.

“This will be my first time playing alongside Tarryn, playing alongside Meeks [Tamika Upton]. That combination will be really cool. I’ve never played with these girls together,” Southwell said.

“To get to play in the World Cup is an honour. I’m hopefully going to take this opportunity with both hands, and I’m just looking forward to having some fun and enjoying my footy.”

The final pool match is Southwell’s chance to impress coach Jess Skinner before the semi-finals, in an Australian side yet to concede a point while piling on 118 in wins over England and Samoa.

It also comes just weeks after she stood opposite Aiken in the NRLW grand final, with the Roosters playmaker taking the spoils to cap a remarkable comeback from her ACL injury.

Rather than dwell on that defeat, Southwell has treated camp as a classroom.

“Obviously Taz, she’s the best in the game in that No.7 jumper," said Southwell.

"I’m loving learning how she operates, and how all the girls operate to be honest. They’re all professional, each and every one of them in their own way.

“At training I’ve been on the opposing side, and that’s pretty normal for me.

“If you’re not playing, you’re doing all that you can to make sure the team is ready, challenging them as much as you can, trying to continue to learn, and I love that.

“I’ve been in a lot of teams where I’ve been the person not playing, back at Sevens. I love when I’m in the starting side and I love when I’m not, but to be in the squad is an honour.

"There’s a lot of people that would love to be in my position.”

At just 21, Southwell is no stranger to the green and gold, having represented Australia in Sevens - but this will be her first taste of the Rugby League World Cup.

“It’s definitely a pinch-me moment,” she said.

“I’ve played Sevens before and I love playing in that jersey, so to wear it again here in rugby league is amazing.

“You take it in your stride. Our game is very young, and I’ve been very blessed with the opportunities I’ve been given from the coaches and teammates and the things that I’ve learned.

"I’m just trying to continue to get better, because at the end of the day that’s what I love doing.”