Jillaroos star Ali Brigginshaw fired up over handshake snubbing after Nines final
Jillaroos star Ali Brigginshaw has fired up ahead of Friday night’s clash with the Kiwi Ferns admitting she’s ‘a bit dirty’ after a number of New Zealand players snubbed a handshake after the Nines final.
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Jillaroos star Ali Brigginshaw has accused the Kiwi Ferns of disrespect over a handshake snub that has lit the fuse for a fiery Test match on Friday night.
Australia is out for vengeance following their “devastating” 17-15 loss to New Zealand in the Nines final at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday.
But Brigginshaw revealed there’s added motivation after a number of Kiwi players shunned the Aussies following the match when they tried to shake their hands and congratulate the Ferns on their win.
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“I’m a bit dirty they didn’t shake our hands so there’s a bit of fire there,” Brigginshaw said.
“It’s just about respect for the game.
“No matter who you play, you always thank the other team.
“Just a few of the girls noticed they didn’t shake our hands after the win.
“We’re all there for the one reason, for the game, so I thought that was a big thing and it’s added a bit of fire to the match.”
The Kiwis had not beaten the Aussies in a women’s rugby league game since 2016 and caused the upset of the World Cup Nines by downing the Jillaroos in a seesawing final.
Brigginshaw’s brigade were favourites heading into the match, having won their three pool games in convincing fashion.
The dual premiership-winning Bronco said the loss was sure to spark them on to a better result on Friday.
“When you lose a game, there’s no way you want to lose again,” she said.
“It’s the worst feeling.
“We haven’t lost much over the last couple of years so it’s definitely hurting.
“The girls will come together now and we should produce something special.”
The Jillaroos went into camp in Wollongong on Sunday to prepare for their upcoming Test match with New Zealand at WIN Stadium on Friday night.
They will be without star dummy-half Brittany Breayley who pulled out of both the Nines tournament and the Test match due to work commitments.
Australian coach Brad Donald said Nines star Keeley Davis was an option to fill the No.9 role, as was NSW Origin utility Botille Vette-Welsh.
Vette-Welsh will make her Test debut for the Jillaroos on Friday night, as will Millie Boyle, Kirra Dibb, Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Shakiah Tungai and Dally M Female Player of the Year Jessica Sergis.
Originally published as Jillaroos star Ali Brigginshaw fired up over handshake snubbing after Nines final