New South Wales dominate in Jillaroos merit squad following victory over Queensland

JUST five Queenslanders have been named in the Jillaroos merit squad ahead of this year’s women’s rugby league World Cup, following the state’s disappointing loss to NSW last month.

NSW's Jessica Sergis scores her third try during the NSW v QLD Interstate Challenge at WIN Stadium, Wollongong. Picture: Brett Costello

JUST five Queenslanders have been named in the Jillaroos merit squad ahead of this year’s women’s rugby league World Cup, following the state’s disappointing loss to NSW last month.

Following in the footsteps of Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, women’s Australian coach Brad Donald this morning revealed his inaugural Jillaroos merit team, based on the performances from the interstate challenge.

NSW heavily dominate the team, with Queensland skipper Karina Brown, hooker Brittany Breayley and teammates Heather Ballinger, Jenni-Sue Hoepper and Ali Brigginshaw the only women from the Sunshine State included in the side.

NSW meanwhile are represented by their halves Caitlin Moran and Maddie Studdon, as well as star players Ruan Sims, Samantha Bremner and Kezie Apps, and try-scoring sensation Jessica Sergis.

Queensland skipper Karina Brown was one of the few Maroons to earn selection.

Hoepper’s appearance is particularly encouraging for Queensland however, after the inaugural Dally M Female Player of the Year stepped away from rugby league last year to have her first child.

She only returned in April to play a handful of games before earning her recall into the Queensland side and is now in the frame for her international return as well.

Donald said those who were named in the merit squad deserved their recognition but the focus now had to turn to the whole team being ready for the World Cup.

“We refocus now as one team with one goal and that is to defend the World Cup on home soil,” he said.

The Jillaroos will start preparations next month when they come together for a camp, with the women’s World Cup now just over 100 days away.

The pool matches and semi-finals will be played at Southern Cross Group Stadium in Sydney from the 16th of November to the 26th, with the men’s and women’s finals to be played as a double-header at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on December 2.

Tickets to all women’s rugby league World Cup matches are on sale now.

THE JILLAROOS INTERSTATE CHALLENGE MERIT TEAM:

Sam Bremner (NSW)

Karina Brown (QLD)

Isabelle Kelly (NSW)

Corban McGregor (NSW)

Jessica Sergis (NSW)

Caitlin Moran (NSW)

Maddie Studdon (NSW)

Ruan Sims (NSW)

Brittany Breayley (QLD)

Heather Ballinger (QLD)

Kezie Apps (NSW)

Jenni-Sue Hoepper (QLD)

Simaima Taufa (NSW)

Ali Brigginshaw (QLD)

Elianna Walton (NSW)

Lavina Phillips (NSW)

Vanessa Foliaki (NSW)