Jillaroos ready to rumble against Kiwi Ferns in Anzac Test double header in Canberra

AUSTRALIA could blood as many as four debutants when the Jillaroos take on the Kiwi Ferns in Friday’s Anzac Test double header.

Simone Smith in action during the Indigenous Women's All Stars v World All Stars match.

• Giant step to finals
• Jillaroos expect fight against Ferns
• Cherry on top of the world
• Tahlia's WNBA surprise
• Why Steph is mellow in yellow

AUSTRALIA could blood as many as four debutants when the Jillaroos take on the Kiwi Ferns in Friday’s Anzac Test double header.

Simone Smith, Amelia Kuk, Zahara Temara and Isabelle Kelly have all been named in the extended Jillaroos squad for the game.

But the quartet will have to survive a further three-player cut to the extended 20-strong team on Thursday to suit up for the Jillaroos against the Kiwi Ferns.

SUPER NETBALL STATE OF PLAY

FIGHTING SWIFTS END DROUGHT

Jillaroos celebrate their win at the Auckland Nines earlier this year.

“Simone Smith has worked really hard to get her opportunity in the squad and to start in the trial match,” said coach Brad Donald.

“She’s come through the indigenous program, the weights and conditioning program with them, and she moved into the squad and her performances have been excellent — she was player of the match in the All Stars game.

MELISSA WU'S DAZZLING DISPLAY

W-LEAGUE STARS CALL ON FANS FOR SUPPORT

But missing from the action on Friday will be Steph Hancock, who injured her knee on the weekend and will be unavailable for the game.

The Jillaroos training at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast last week.

However once recovered, Hancock will be back in the running for World Cup selection later this year.

Donald said he is pleased with the makeup of his side and the way they are pushing each other.

“There still is a core of players who have been there for a long time but there are more new players and more of the higher competition in NSW and Queensland,” he said.

“They’re all pushing each other a bit higher so there’s more of them. It’s important that we recognise that so it does encourage more girls to push themselves harder so they can reap the rewards of the opportunities that are there.”

Isabelle Kelly celebrates victory after the 2017 Auckland Nines match between the Australian Jillaroos and the Kiwi Ferns.

The 2017 Harvey Norman Jillaroos extended Test team:

Sam Bremner, Karina Brown, Corban McGregor, Caitlin Moran, Chelsea Baker, Zahara Temara, Simone Smith, Ruin Sims, Brittany Breayley, Heather Ballinger, Renae Kunst, Annette Brander, Simaima Taufu, Ali Brigginshaw, Rebecca Young, Elliana Walton, Amelia Kuk, Maddie Studdon, Isabelle Kelly, Kody House. Coach: Brad Donald, Assistant Coach: Jamie Feeney

Match details

Friday, 5.25pm

Jillaroos v Ferns

GIO Stadium, Canberra

TV: The match will be broadcast on the Nine network following the Kangaroos v Kiwis match.

Originally published as Jillaroos ready to rumble against Kiwi Ferns in Anzac Test double header in Canberra