Jillaroos fullback Sam Bremner ruled out of World Cup semi-final against Canada

AUSTRALIA’S star fullback, who is often dubbed the female Billy Slater, will miss the semi-final clash against Canada.

Sam Bremner has been ruled out of the Jillaroos’ clash with Canada. Picture: Adam Head

JILLAROOS sensation Sam Bremner has made the ultimate sacrifice ahead of Sunday’s World Cup semi-final clash with Canada, ruling herself out of the must-win match.

The star fullback, who is often dubbed the female Billy Slater, was expected to make her triumphant return for Australia but decided she was not ready after the captain’s run in Wollongong.

Bremner has not played a game since July’s interstate challenge, after the NSW No. 1 suffered a grade two ankle syndesmosis injury.

She was hopeful to make her return in the World Cup, but a knock to her leg at a training session has delayed her comeback.

Coach Brad Donald confirmed that while things were looking promising for Bremner earlier in the week, she would not take to the field against Canada despite completing the entire captain’s run.

“She came up (after training) and said she’s only about 80 per cent at the moment,” he said.

Sam Bremner will miss the Jillaroos’ clash with Canada. Picture: Adam Head

“She wanted to make a call for the team. She knew she wasn’t going to be as quick as what she can be because of the tenderness in the leg.

“She also didn’t want to risk getting another whack on it.

“It’s a really selfless call from her. But that’s not unexpected in this team and certainly not unexpected from Sammy.”

Bremner has had a horror run with injury over the last two years, after suffering two broken legs in 2016 before missing the ANZAC Test in May through a concussion.

She then suffered the ankle injury in July, which ruled her out of Australia’s trip to Papua New Guinea in September.

Sam Bremner has had a horror run with injury over the last two years.

Donald said her absence was felt during that time but her off-field presence was now helping the Jillaroos in their quest to retain the World Cup.

“She’s the most amazing player but also an amazing person away from the field,” he said.

“It was mentioned when we went to PNG that the squad was missing just this little bit of x-factor off the field. That’s Sammy. She’s very bright and bubbly and brings that to the team.

“She’s always positive.”

Nakia Davis-Welsh, who played at fullback against England and Cook Islands, will wear the No. 1 jersey in Bremner’s place.

Nakia Davis-Welsh will play fullback for the Jillaroos. Picture: Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

Donald said he had picked his healthiest 17 as the Jillaroos look to overcome Canada to progress to the December 2 final.

“Nakia’s been absolutely outstanding,” he said.

“Nakia would have played on the wing but we can now utilise her at fullback and keep the momentum and combinations going.”

JILLAROOS TEAM TO PLAY CANADA

1 — Nakia Davis-Welsh

2 — Karina Brown

3 — Corban McGregor

4 — Isabelle Kelly

5 — Meg Ward

6 — Ali Brigginshaw

7 — Caitlin Moran

8 — Steph Hancock (c)

9 — Brittany Breayley

10 — Rebecca Young

11 — Talesha Quinn

12 — Kezie Apps

13 — Vanessa Foliaki

14 — Maddie Studdon

15 — Ruan Sims

16 — Elianna Walton

17 — Annette Brander

Originally published as Jillaroos fullback Sam Bremner ruled out of World Cup semi-final against Canada