The Jillaroos squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup has been named, with coach Jess Skinner handing Isabelle Kelly the captaincy and leaving out retiring Broncos great Ali Brigginshaw.
Skinner named her 23-player squad on Monday 5 October at the joint announcement on NRL.com with the Kangaroos, a day after the Roosters beat the Broncos in the NRLW grand final. Brigginshaw retired from the NRLW after that match, Fox Sports reported, and had hoped to finish her career at the World Cup.
‘One of the hardest phone calls’
Skinner said Brigginshaw was upset when she was told of the decision on Monday morning.
“It was one of the hardest phone calls I’ve had to make as a coach to a player this morning and to talk to about her and where she was… I’m getting emotional now talking about it,†Skinner told reporters, as quoted by Fox Sports.
“She’s won three World Cups. She’s won player of the match twice. A Golden Boot winner. She’s served this jersey for over 17 years, so that was a decision that was really hard to make.â€
Skinner said the call came down to form, pointing to the grand final, where Roosters halves Jocelyn Kelleher and Tarryn Aiken starred. Fox Sports reported Aiken set up two tries and scored another in the decider. Young Broncos half Jesse Southwell was also picked.
Roosters dominate the squad
The unbeaten premiers have eight players in the squad, and Kelleher, Sariah Paki and Cowboys prop Makenzie Weale are the three debutants, Zero Tackle reported. Millie Elliott, who played her final NRLW game in the grand final, also gets a chance to finish at a World Cup. Three-time Dally M Medal winner Tamika Upton is the fullback.
“Selection was incredibly competitive and there were some very difficult decisions, but we believe this group gives us the balance, and versatility we need for a World Cup campaign,†Skinner said in a statement quoted by Zero Tackle.
Jillaroos squad
- Isabelle Kelly (c) (Roosters)
- Tarryn Aiken (Roosters)
- Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers)
- Shaylee Bent (Wests Tigers)
- Abbi Church (Eels)
- Jaime Chapman (Titans)
- Quincy Dodd (Sharks)
- Millie Elliott (Roosters)
- Olivia Higgins (Knights)
- Ellie Johnston (Sharks)
- Keilee Joseph (Eels)
- Jocelyn Kelleher (Roosters)
- Olivia Kernick (Roosters)
- Keeley Nizza (Roosters)
- Sariah Paki (Roosters)
- Tiana Penitani Gray (Sharks)
- Julia Robinson (Broncos)
- Jessica Sergis (Roosters)
- Jesse Southwell (Broncos)
- Simaima Taufa (Raiders)
- Sarah Togatuki (Wests Tigers)
- Tamika Upton (Broncos)
- Makenzie Weale (Cowboys)
What’s next
The Jillaroos open their World Cup against Samoa on Friday 16 October. The men’s side was named at the same event, after Roosters centre Robert Toia chose Tonga over Australia.
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