Jillaroos fitter, stronger, faster than ever ahead of rugby league World Cup

JILLAROOS coach Brad Donald says he has opted for a broad 40-strong squad to ensure every position is covered in case of injury leading into the women’s rugby league World Cup.

Maddie Studdon and 18 other NSW players have been named in the Australian Jillaroos train-on squad. )

JILLAROOS coach Brad Donald says he has opted for a broad 40-strong squad to ensure every position is covered in case of injury and to get as many women as possible fit and fast leading into the women’s rugby league World Cup later this year.

A Jillaroos train-on squad of 40 was named on Sunday including stars from both sides of the NSW/Queensland border in Ruan Sims, Karina Brown, Kezie Apps, Maddie Studdon and Sam Bremner.

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Of the 40, 19 are from NSW, 16 from Queensland, one each from the Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia and one from the defence force.

Bunty Kuruwaka-Crowe being taken down by Jillaroos star Ruan Sims during the trans-Tasman Test match earlier this year.

The majority of NSW players reflects the Blues recent win over the Maroons in the annual interstate challenge with teenager Jessica Sergis, who made her NSW debut in the game with three tries, also named.

Donald said he liked the idea of having a large squad to tinker with.

“We need a broad squad to cover injuries,’’ Donald said.

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“It will also give as many players as possible the chance to get really fit and really strong.’’

In a major boost for Australia’s chances of winning the World Cup on home soil, a fulltime strength and conditioning coach has been appointed to work with the Jillaroos.

“It’s been an amazing year for our sport, with the Jillaroos claiming a clean sweep against the Kiwis for the first time as part of the Auckland Nines and another win against them as part of the double-header Test Match in Canberra,” Donald said.

Maddie Studdon on the run during the Auckland Nines earlier

“While the wins have certainly added belief within our team, it is the consistent training throughout the year that has impressed me the most and it has shown in every performance this year.

“Our extended Jillaroos team is fitter, stronger and faster than ever before and we’re excited at what’s to come over the next few months.’’

Women’s World Cup pool matches and semis will be played at Southern Cross Group Stadium from November 16-26, with the men’s and women’s finals played as a double-header at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on December 2.

The Jillaroos train-on squad: (from NSW) Sam Bremner, Kezie Apps, Ruan Sims, Ruby Ewe, Allana Ferguson, Rebecca Riley, Isabelle Kelly, Simaima Taufa, Caitlin Moran, Rebecca Young, Maddie Studdon, Elianna Walton, Corban McGregor, Vanessa Foliaki, Nakia Davis-Welsh, Jessica Sergis, Talesha Quinn, Lavina O’Mealey, Simone Smith. From Queensland: Amelia Kuk, Zahara Temara, Kody House, Chelsea Baker, Annette Brander, Ali Brigginshaw, Jenni-Sue Hoepper, Sasha Mahuika, Asipau Mafi, Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Heather Ballinger, Brittany Breayley, Steph Hancock, Renae Kunst, Karina Brown, Sarah Walker. Affiliated States: Oneata Schwalger (Victoria), Meg Ward (Northern Territory), Maddison Bennett (Western Australia), Asiova (Eva) Karpini (South Australia). Australian Defence Force: Lucy Lockart (Northern Territory).