Dally M medal winner’s shock snub as debutants unveiled in Jillaroos squad

Olivia Kernick has been dropped from the Jillaroos squad less than a week after winning the Dally M medal in a shock decision.

Sydney Roosters' Olivia Kernick (R) is tackled during the National Rugby League (NRL) Women's Grand Final match between Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks at Accor Stadium in Sydney on October 6, 2024. (Photo by Izhar KHAN / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --

Olivia Kernick has been dropped from the Jillaroos squad less than a week after winning the Dally M medal in a shock decision made by coach Brad Donald.

Donald announced his squad on Monday for the upcoming Pacific Championships, which includes four debutants, but Kernick’s name was noticably missing.

Instead, Donald has opted for Kezie Apps, Yasmin Clydsdale and Mahalia Murphy as his second row options.

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“When you’ve got the captain in your position in Kezie Apps and the versatility of Mahalia Murphy... Liv is probably not too far off it,’ he explained.

“She was on the bench for NSW as well and she’d be the next one in if something went down.

“But there is some change, we lost our first game in nine years last year against the Ferns and the Kiwis are really strong.

Olivia Kernick the 2024 Dally M Award winner at the ceremony held at Royal Randwick Racecourse. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“They’ve got great depth right through the NRLW competition and I think when players like that miss out it just shows how strong the women’s game is at the moment.”

News Corp sports journalist David Riccio said he was stunned by the decision to leave Kernick out of the squad during an appearance on SEN radio.

“I’m absolutely blown away. It’s unbelievable. There has to be other reasons because on form, she makes the team every day of the week,” Riccio told SEN Sydney on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile Roosters historian Alan Katzmann called the decision ‘bewildering’.

“Bewildering is the word that best sums up the omission of Dally M Player of the Year Olivia Kernick from the Jillaroos squad,” Katzmann wrote on X.

“Dally M and RLPA Dream Team second rower. 165m average metres gained and 31 tackles average per game in the NRLW this season. No.1 back rower in the game.”

Sydney Roosters' Olivia Kernick (R) is tackled during the National Rugby League (NRL) Women's Grand Final match between Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks. (Photo by Izhar KHAN / AFP)

Kernick, who scored a double in the Roosters’ grand final win, is one of five incumbents to lose their jersey. Jaime Chapman, Kennedy Cherrington, Emma Manzelmann and Caitlan Johnston-Green also miss out, while it’s understood Emma Tonegato is unavailable due to her upcoming wedding.

“I’ve spoken to all of the incumbents — there’s five of them — they’re all very disappointed and know what they need to work on to put their hand up for World Cup selection in two year’s time and the matches between now and then,” Donald said.

For Murphy, it’ll be her first game for Jillaroos since her debut in 2015.

Donald spoke about the “fantastic” Murphy’s rise this year to earn her a long-awaited recall.

“She probably gives us a little more versatility, she’s a back-rower but has played a lot of centre too,” he said.

“She’s had a terrific season and I think she led the Eels really well this year so it’s great to see her back in the side.”

Murphy’s Eels teammate Abbi Church is among the debutants with the 26-year-old earning the call-up off the back of a stellar NRLW season which had her in the mix for the Dally M.

While Donald didn’t make the call himself, he said one of his assistants reported back that “there was a lot of tears and (she was) very happy).”

He added: “Anyone knows her (knows) she’s all effort.. it’s a great reward for how hard she’s worked.”

Meanwhile, Karyn Murphy medallist Tarryn Aiken has been included after steering the Roosters to their second premiership on Sunday along with teammates Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly and Millie Elliott.

JILLAROOS SQUAD

Tarryn Aiken (Roosters)

Kezie Apps (c) (Tigers

Ali Brigginshaw (c) (Broncos)

Lauren Brown (Titans)

Abbi Church* (Eels)

Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights)

Quincy Dodd* (Sharks

Millie Elliott (Roosters)

Jessika Elliston (Titans)

Olivia Higgins* (Knights)

Keilee Joseph (Broncos)

Isabelle Kelly (Roosters)

Shannon Mato (Titans)

Mahalia Murphy (Eels)

Tiana Penitani (Sharks)

Julia Robinson (Broncos)

Simaima Taufa (Raiders)

Jess Sergis (Roosters)

Sara Togatuki* (Tigers)

Tamika Upton (Knights)

Jakiya Whitfeld (Cowboys)

*Denotes debutant

Originally published as Dally M medal winner’s shock snub as debutants unveiled in Jillaroos squad