NRL Pacific Championships 2024: Jillaroos star sent for scans ahead of final

The Jillaroos are managing injuries to two key stars ahead of the Pacific Championships final, with one sent for scans as her team scrambles to find a replacement.

Jillaroos skipper Kezie Apps is firming to play the Pacific Championships final in a fortnight after passing her medical to return to camp next week.

The 33-year-old was taken from the field with a leg injury in Sunday’s 14-0 win over New Zealand, casting doubt over her fitness for the final on November 10 at CommBank Stadium.

However, those fears have been eliminated and she’s expected to be named in next week’s squad, ending speculation Dally M Medallist Olivia Kernick could receive a late call up.

Jillaroos star Kezie Apps looks set to play in the Pacific Championships final. Picture: NRL Imagery

Meanwhile, Jillaroos dummy half Olivia Higgins is still under an injury cloud.

The Newcastle star will go for scans later in the week to confirm her availability to join the squad after dislocating her right wrist in the win over the Kiwi Ferns and failing to return to the field.

Interestingly, the 32-year-old passed her medical despite the partial dislocation.

But dummy-half Olivia Higgins is in some doubt with a wrist injury. Picture: Getty Images

The Jillaroos are confident Higgins will join the squad but a scan later this week will confirm the time frame.

Her absence could cause a shuffle to the squad with Keeley Davis the next in line to replace her at the ruck.

Davis was a late call up to the squad last week after first choice hooker and Cronulla star Quincy Dodd was ruled out.

The Jillaroos will face the winner of Sunday’s clash between New Zealand and PNG in the final.

Originally published as NRL Pacific Championships 2024: Jillaroos star sent for scans ahead of final