Eels fullback Abbi Church and Cowboys prop Mackenzie Weale and have been added to the Harvey Norman Jillaroos squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships after Sienna Lofipo and Emma Verran withdrew.
Young Titans forward Lofipo has opted to play for Samoa after representing the Pacific nation on four previous occasions at Test level.
Weale has played six Origins for Queensland but is yet to make her Test debut while Church represented the PM's XIII last year and is also chasing a first Jillaroos cap.
The Jillaroos will play Fetu Samoa at Suncorp Stadium on October 26 and New Zealand Kiwi Ferns at Eden Park in Auckland on November 2.
“The Pacific Championships have grown into a brilliant showcase for international Rugby League, showcasing the pride and passion of the Pacific. The Jillaroos will proudly fly the flag for Australia, representing the spirit of our game,” ARLC Chairman Mr Peter V’landys AM said on Monday when the squad was announced.
“This squad reflects the depth and quality of the NRLW competition and the exciting future of women’s Rugby League ahead of an exciting 2026 World Cup.
“On behalf of the Commission, I extend heartfelt congratulations to every player selected.”
Jillaroos Coach Jess Skinner congratulated the players.
“This is a strong squad with a number of established Jillaroos as well as players who have progressed to this level through their form in the NRLW competition,” Skinner said.
“This is a really important tournament for us and I expect this squad to perform at the highest level as we continue to look towards not only next year’s World Cup but also progressing the women’s game at international level.”
The updated squad, listed alphabetically, is as follows:
Kezie Apps (c) Wests Tigers
Ali Brigginshaw (c) Broncos
Rima Butler * Roosters
Abbi Church* Eels
Yasmin Clydsdale Knights
Keeley Davis Roosters
Quincy Dodd Sharks
Jessika Elliston Titans
Ellie Johnston * Sharks
Keilee Joseph Broncos
Jocelyn Kelleher * Roosters
Isabelle Kelly Roosters
Olivia Kernick Roosters
Tiana Penitani Gray Sharks
Julia Robinson Broncos
Jessica Sergis Roosters
Jesse Southwell * Knights
Sarah Togatuki Wests Tigers
Tamika Upton Broncos
Mackenzie Weale Cowboys
Jakiya Whitfeld Cowboys
* Denotes debutante
