If you were trying to crack the Australian Jillaroos team, possibly the worst option was the fullback position currently held by three-time Dally M Player of the Year and five-time premiership-winner Tamika Upton.
But that did not deter Parramatta Eels and NSW Origin fullback Abbi Church.
She actually made her Jillaroos debut at No.1 in the opening match of the 2025 Pacific Championships against New Zealand when Upton was ruled out with a calf strain.
The superstar Bronco returned for the next two games but Church wasn’t about to give up on playing more Tests and during the 2026 World Cup she has successfully slotted in on the right wing.
With eight tries in three games – five more than Upton – she has been a revelation on the wing.
Abbi Church 4th Try
“I look at it as being very lucky to be in this position of being in this squad. It means I get to go to training every week and learn off one of the best players in my position in Tamika,” Church said after crossing four times in Australia’s 30-14 win over Fiji.
“I’m lucky our coach Jess Skinner believes in every single one of us, that we will get the job done in every single position we’re put.
“I’m lucky I get to prove that bit of versatility with Jess’ faith in me.”
Remarkably, Church hasn’t played wing in five years – she had one game there in her first NRLW season at the Eels in 2022 but the subsequent four years were all at fullback.
Tamika Upton Try
“Well, it’s different priorities,” she said of the switch. “It’s a different role within the team with a lot more defensive reads and working and connecting with your centre.
“It took me a little bit through training to transition there with a different thought process.”
All the while though she’s been grateful for the guiding minds and hands of established Jillaroos backs Upton, Isabelle Kelly, Jess Sergis and Jaime Chapman.
“That’s helped absolutely. They’ve been massive in helping me, knowing I was playing a little out of position. There was lots of talk out there to make me feel comfortable," she said.
Church’s last try on Sunday was an 80-metre run with a step or two thrown in for good measure.
Yaranamua with a huge hit
Considering her speed into and through a gap, is she the fastest Jillaroo?
“Absolutely not... I try my best to keep up with Jess and then there’s Chappo," she said.
“I don’t think much to be honest (when space appears). Those moments happen so quickly you’ve just got to back your instincts.
“Once I’m through, and like I said I’m not the fastest, I’m usually looking left and right for some support.”
The Kiwi Ferns are sure to be looking at video of Church’s moves and tries ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
The Jillaroos will spend time on how to eliminate the errors they made against Fiji, including nine before half-time as the World Cup newcomers came out firing.
“They had some big shots and I wouldn’t say they rattled us but they gave us a big reminder that it was a World Cup semi,” Church said.
“We needed that... we came in at half-time to re-settle ourselves and then go out and execute our game plan.”
- You can watch the Women's World Cup Final live on Channel 7 this Sunday.
