Not the retiring type: Humble hero Kezie has more to give

Jillaroos legend Kezie Apps will be entering rarified air when she plays her 26th Test for Australia on Sunday but don’t mention the ‘R’ word. 

Winning her third World Cup would be a fitting way for Apps to bow out but the 35-year-old isn’t in that ‘retirement’ frame of mind at all. 

“I don’t want to use that word just yet. I’m literally taking each day as it comes,” Apps said after the 30-14 win over Fiji to parachute the Jillaroos into another World Cup final against the Kiwi Ferns. 

“I’ll see how I feel next year and if I’m playing good and get picked then great, and if I don’t then that’s the way it goes. 

“I’ll never rule myself out and always try to be the best teammate I can be. I always work hard for my club and whatever happens off the back of that, happens. 

“I’ll never not put up my hand for a representative jersey. 

“But I’ve got to earn it and I’ve got to deserve it.”

Apps has inked and extension with the Wests Tigers taking her to the end of 2029, when she will be 38.

Ali Brigginshaw retired this year at 36 with a grand total of 27 Test caps to her name and Apps will be right on her tail with after Sunday's decider

The only players ahead of Apps are Brigginshaw, then Hall of Famers Karyn Murphy (28) and Tahnee Norris (33). 

Marking her 25th has already been a special time for Apps. Her brother Deon and her three nieces came into the Jillaroos camp and all her teammates wore ‘Kezie 25’ T-shirts.    

“I was trying to reflect on my last 25 games and I think this is the first time I’ve had so many family come to my jersey presentation... better late than never,” she said. 

“It was really special my brother said a few words – some of the nicest things he’s ever said about me and to me. He must be getting softer in his old age. 

“But he has three daughters and knows the significance of what this jersey means and the pathway I’ve helped forge for the younger generation, like my nieces, to follow through if they choose to.” 

Even before Apps hangs up the boots she is creating a legacy in the international arena, alongside her 50 NRLW games and 16 Origins – the most of any NSW female player. 

“I still feel great although sometimes my body feels 45 and not 35 and some days I feel 25," she said.

“I like to be in the present and take each day as it comes because you never know when it might be your last (in a rep jersey)

“Just treat people for who they really are, and for yourself just be yourself and lead through your actions... stay nice and humble and be kind. That will get you through life as well as football.” 

• You can watch the Women's World Cup Final live on Channel 7 this Sunday from 3.30pm AEDT