NRLW star Olivia Kernick overlooked for Jillaroos selection

Sydney Roosters star Olivia Kernick has been overlooked for Test selection as coach Brad Donald shakes up a squad which lost its last match to the Kiwis.

Dally M Medallist and premiership winner Olivia Kernick has been sensationally overlooked for a Jillaroos jersey the day after leading Sydney Roosters to an NRLW title.

The 23-year-old was crowned the best player in the women’s game last week after a brilliant season for the premiers, scoring six tries in 11 games including a double in the grand final against Cronulla.

However, she has been dumped from the Test team for the Pacific Championships by coach Brad Donald in one of the biggest selection shocks in years.

Kernick has been on the fringes of Test selection for the past few seasons, and played two games for the Jillaroos in last year’s Pacific Championships, but has developed into the best backrower in the game in 2024.

Olivia Kernick of Roosters scores a try during the NRLW Grand Final match between Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks. Picture: Getty Images

Donald explained NSW and Australia skipper Kezie Apps will start in the second row in place of Kernick, after making her return to the field from a knee injury in the Prime Minister’s XIII game in Papua New Guinea this week.

Eels forward Mahalia Murphy has also been named for her versatility and ability to play centre, while Kernick was originally named on the bench but started at lock in all three games for NSW in a losing Origin series this year.

“I think when you’ve got the captain in your position, it’s quite difficult and the versatility of Mahalia Murphy,” Donald said of his call to overlook Kernick.

Kezie Apps has kept Kernick out of the Jillaroos.. Picture: NRL Photos

“She isn’t too far off it, she was on the bench for NSW this year as well and she will be the next one in if something goes down.

“There is some change but we’re the same as (Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga) we lost our first game in nine years last year against the Kiwi Ferns and they’re quite strong, they have great depth right through the NRLW competition.

“When players like that miss out it just shows how strong the women’s game is at the moment.”

What a season from Olivia Kernick 🏅🔥 pic.twitter.com/bz3Z70561T

— NRLW (@NRLWomens) October 2, 2024

Teammate and NSW Origin dummy half Keeley Davis has also missed the call up, with Donald opting to hand Cronulla hooker Quincy Dodd a debut Jillaroos jersey.

Parramatta fullback Abbi Church is among the debutants after a wonderful season for the Eels that saw her finish second in the Dally M Medal tally.

It forms part of a changing of the guard for the Jillaroos.

Jaime Chapman was cut from the team that lost to New Zealand. Picture: Getty Images

Titans star Jaime Chapman has also been overlooked as well as Emma Tonegato, Caitlan Johnston-Green and Kennedy Cherrington from the team that lost 12-6 to New Zealand in the Pacific Championships final.

The loss snapped a 15-game winning streak.

“I’ve spoken to all of the incumbents, there’s five of them that didn’t make the squad and they’re all very disappointed,” he said.

“They know what they’ve got to work on to put their hand up for World Cup selection in two years time. They’re difficult calls to make but we make sure we make them.”

JILLAROOS TEAM

Tarryn Aiken

Kezie Apps

Ali Brigginshaw

Lauren Brown

Abbi Church

Yasmin Clydsdale

Quincy Dodd

Millie Elliott

Jessika Elliston

Olivia Higgins

Keilee Joseph

Isabelle Kelly

Shannon Mato

Mahalia Murphy

Tiana Penitani

Julia Robinson

Simaima Taufa

Jess Sergis

Sarah Togatuiki

Tamika Upton

Jakiya Whitfeld