Investigation launched into Dally M Medallist Olivia Kernick’s Jillaroos snub

The ARL Commission has launched an investigation into the Australian team selection snub of Dally M Medal winner Olivia Kernick.

NRLW 2023 RD07 Sydney Roosters Women v Parramatta Eels Women - Olivia Kernick NRL PHOTOS

The ARL Commission has launched an investigation into the Australian team selection snub of Dally M Medal winner Olivia Kernick.

In a major development, this masthead has learned that the ARLC are attempting to seek answers surrounding the stunning omission from the Australian team of the best player from the women’s game.

It’s believed that some members of the ARLC have been left bemused as to how the Roosters premiership-winner was overlooked for the Jillaroos squad that will feature in the upcoming Pacific Championships.

The inquest has emerged as Jillaroos co-captain Kezie Apps broke her silence surrounding the decision to leave Kernick out of the squad.

Apps, on the comeback trail from injury, has held down the Australian back row position that Kernick also plays.

“It speaks volumes of our competition and how far the NRLW has come,” Apps said of Kernick’s omission.

There was no room in the Jillaroos squad for Dally M winner Olivia Kernick. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“We’ve got all these talented females coming through.

“It’s going to get even harder to make the Jillaroos.

“There’s no doubt that if (Olivia) Kernick gets a call-up she will be straight in and chomping at the bit.

“It’s part of where we’re at at the moment. There’s so many talented females waiting to pull the jersey on.’’

As revealed by this masthead on Tuesday, Jillaroos coach Brad Donald phoned Kernick to discuss her rejection.

Jillaroos Coach Brad Donald is at the centre of the furore. Picture: AAP Image/Chris Pavlich

Donald is believed to be impressed with Kernick’s attitude in accepting the decision.

It’s also understood Donald moved to ensure the Roosters premiership-winner that her cards had not been marked and that she could still be called into the squad, should an injury to a current Jillaroos squad member arise.

The shock of Kernick’s stunning omission has been felt across the game after the backrower was named the best player in the women’s game at the Dally M’s last week.

The outstanding talent scored two tries in the Roosters 32-28 NRLW grand final win over the Sharks, prompting an equal amount of dismay that she was overlooked for the Karen Murphy Medal as the best player on the field last Sunday.

Fox League and SEN commentator Andrew Voss said the in-form forward being overlooked was a bigger story than any of the Kangaroos’ selection decisions, including James Tedesco or Daly Cherry-Evans being omitted by Test coach Mal Meninga.

Olivia Kernick starred in the Roosters' grand final win over the Sharks, scoring two tries. Picture: NRL Imagery

“It’s almost scandalous. It’s really worth some investigation here,” Voss said.

“I’m blown away.”

Roosters officials are equally upset by the decision to leave Kernick out of the Jillaroos squad, but are loath to speak publicly in fear of ruining the 23-year-old’s future representative claims.

Kernick was devastated to learn of the news through a phone call from Donald during Mad Monday celebrations on a boat on Sydney Harbour with Roosters teammates.

She was among a handful of players dropped from the Test side, including Dally M hooker of the year Keeley Davis, Titans centre Jaime Chapman, Cronulla fullback Emma Tonegato and injured Knights prop Caitlan Johnston-Green.

Originally published as Investigation launched into Dally M Medallist Olivia Kernick’s Jillaroos snub