Toowoomba’s league star shines in World Cup semi-final

One of Toowoomba’s top rugby league talents has made waves yet again scoring a double in Australia's massive Women's World Cup semi-final win and her performance is creating selection headaches for the Jillaroos coaching staff.

LEAGUE: Back in the starting side and back on the try scorer’s list, Shenae Ciesiolka had a night to remember in Australia’s World Cup semi-final.

The Toowoomba and Brisbane Broncos flyer doubled her tournament tally with two tries in the Jillaroos 82-0 thumping of the Papua New Guinea Orchids.

Ciesiolka’s first try in the 27th minute was the icing on what was arguably the play of the game from player of the match Emma Tonegato.

Taking the ball inside her own half, Tonegato tore the Orchids line-up with a brilliant solo run before finding Ciesiolka with a perfectly placed pass.

Ciesiolka added her second six minutes after halftime.

The Jillaroos massive win sets up a grand final against rivals New Zealand creates a few selection headaches for coach Brad Donald.

“We’ve copped a bit of grief throughout the tournament over who’s played where,” Donald said to Fox Sports.

“But we’ve had a plan right from the get go.“The seven who didn’t play tonight will play (in the final), you can guarantee that.”

The Jillaroos will be eager a third straight title after winning the cup in 2013 and 2017.A win would draw them level with New Zealand who also have three cup wins.

Ciesiolka scores on debut

With a little shimmy, a step and a burst of speed Shenae Ciesiolka wrote her name into Australian and World Cup history books on Thursday.

Making her debut for the Jillaroos against the Cook Islands, Ciesiolka who scored in the 29th minute, was one of five rookies to cross the line in Australia’s 74-0 win.

“I thought she was going to pass it for a minute there,” Shenae’s mother Kayleen said.

“But instead she made that little step and then she was just too quick for them.

“It was amazing watching her score.

“I was cheering and carrying when she crossed the line while her dad (Brett) was sitting there very cool and calm.”

YORK, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Julia Robinson of Australia celebrates with teammate Shenae Ciesiolka after scoring their team's seventh try during the Women's Rugby League World Cup 2021 Pool B match between Australia Women and Cook Islands Women at LNER Community Stadium on November 02, 2022 in York, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Kayleen and her husband Brett were joined by Kayleen’s mother Beryl Achilles at their Toowoomba home to watch Shenae run out in Aussie green and gold.

“My mum made the trip from Oakey the day before and stayed overnight,” Kayleen said.

“She (Beryl) doesn’t have Kayo but there was no way she was going to miss the game.

“We’re all very proud of what she (Shenae) has achieved. She has sacrificed so much and worked so hard for this opportunity.”

Australia’s next game will be against France on Monday morning (Autralia time) and Kayleen will be tuned in again – hoping to see Shenae in action once more.

“We did think a lot about going to England, but in the end we made the decision to stay at home,” Kayleen said.

“The good thing is family and friends have been given so much access to the team and the girls during their preparation.

“We’ve spoken to Shenae a lot as well.

“She’s been pretty cool and calm, like she always, during it all.

“The only thing she has really mentioned was how cold and miserable it was before the game.

“Hopefully we get another opportunity to see her play, after all this (the women’s World Cup) is the pinnacle of the sport.”

YORK, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 02: April Ngatupuna of Cook Islands is tackled by Olivia Kernick and Shenae Ciesiolka of Australia during the Women's Rugby League World Cup 2021 Pool B match between Australia Women and Cook Islands Women at LNER Community Stadium on November 02, 2022 in York, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for RLWC)