Rugby League World Cup: Jillaroos squad has healthy Queensland Maroons flavour

SIXTEEN Queenslanders have made their first steps towards playing in the women’s rugby league World Cup, after Jillaroos coach Brad Donald unveiled his 40-player train-on squad.

Queensland Jillaroos squad members Steph Hancock (ball) and Ali Brigginshaw. Picture: AAP

• New South Wales dominate in Jillaroos merit squad

SIXTEEN Queenslanders have made their first steps towards playing in the women’s rugby league World Cup, after Jillaroos coach Brad Donald unveiled his 40-player train-on squad.

With the women’s tournament just over 100 days away, Donald has begun preparations to ensure there is no complacency within the Australian side as they look to retain the World Cup trophy.

After claiming this year’s Auckland Nines tournament and the Anzac Test, both against the Kiwi Ferns, Donald knows his Jillaroos are in a good position heading into the season-ending tournament.

Queensland skipper Karina Brown also made the cut. Picture: AAP

But he does not want those who enjoyed success earlier this year to be in the mindset that it will come easily again in November.

“We wanted to make sure we gave girls across the country an opportunity and a pathway,” he said of his 40-player squad.

“Another reason for choosing 40 is because it’s unusual to get one win against New Zealand, let alone four in a row.

“If anything, complacency is something we want to make sure we don’t let drip into the camp. (New Zealand) are going to be really hard to beat in the World Cup, as are England and Canada.

“We have to make sure we’re ready for all of them.”

As did retiring veteran Renae Kunst. Picture: Adam Head

The team’s strength and conditioning coach Simon Buxton will be working with all 40 women over the coming months to make sure they are “fitter, stronger and faster”.

Those selected from Queensland include state captain Karina Brown, inaugural female Dally M winner Jenni-Sue Hoepper and retiring forwards Steph Hancock and Renae Kunst.

The Jillaroos will kick off their preparations for the World Cup with a camp next month. The tournament will begin on November 16.

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

Originally published as Rugby League World Cup: Jillaroos squad has healthy Queensland Maroons flavour