Allegiant Stadium, LAS VEGAS.
Tara Jones Set for International Officiating Debut in Las Vegas
Former England hooker Tara Jones is set to make her international officiating debut in Las Vegas, less than 18 months after her last Test match appearance.
Jones, who earned 14 caps for England, will serve as a touch judge in this weekend’s historic women’s international between Australia and England at Allegiant Stadium.
Back in 2022, Jones turned down an opportunity to join the officiating team at the Rugby League World Cup, opting instead to pursue her playing career with England. However, after retiring at the end of last season, she became the first woman to join the RFL’s full-time panel of match officials.
Jones will take the field at Allegiant Stadium alongside Belinda Sharpe, who will officiate as the referee, and Liam Moore, who will serve as the other touch judge.
Olivia Kernick Returns to Jillaroos Line-up
Dally M Medal winner Olivia Kernick has reclaimed her Jillaroos jersey, earning a spot in Australia’s back row for their Test match in Las Vegas. The 24-year-old is one of two new faces in the squad that defeated New Zealand in last year’s Pacific Championships final, replacing the unavailable Millie Elliott.
Quincy Dodd has also been called onto the bench, taking the place of fellow hooker Keeley Davis.
Kernick’s omission from last year’s Pacific Championships squad sparked significant backlash, as the Sydney Roosters star had previously been part of the Australian squad. The decision also intensified criticism of then-head coach Brad Donald, who has since been replaced by Jess Skinner.
Australia squad
Tamika Upton, Jakiya Whitfeld, Isabelle Kelly, Tiana Penitani, Julia Robinson, Ali Brigginshaw (capt), Tarryn Aiken, Shannon Mato, Olivia Higgins, Kezie Apps (capt), Yasmin Clydsdale, Olivia Kernick, Simaima Taufa, Quincy Dodd, Jessica Sergis, Sarah Togatuki, Keilee Joseph, Lauren Brown, Jessika Elliston, Mahalia Murphy, Keeley Davis.
Georgia Roche Headlines England Squad
NRLW superstar Georgia Roche headlines the England squad, returning to the Test side for the first time in over a year. She is one of three England players currently competing in Australia’s NRLW, alongside Canberra Raiders forward Hollie-Mae Dodd and Parramatta-bound Paige Travis.
Super League champions York Valkyrie have five players in the squad, including potential debutant Jas Bell. Meanwhile, St Helens—last season’s League Leaders’ Shield and Challenge Cup winners—are well represented with seven players, including Jodie Cunningham, Amy Hardcastle, and Shona Hoyle, all of whom featured in England’s last Test against the Jillaroos in 2017.
Additionally, 18-year-old Wigan Warriors prospect Jenna Foubister could make her England debut.
ENGLAND SQUAD
Jas Bell (York Valkyrie), Keara Bennett (Leeds Rhinos), Jodie Cunningham (St Helens), Georgie Dagger (York Valkyrie), Anna Davies (Wigan Warriors), Hollie-Mae Dodd (Canberra Raiders), Jenna Foubister (Wigan Warriors), Amy Hardcastle (St Helens), Zoe Harris (St Helens), Shona Hoyle (St Helens), Katie Mottershead (St Helens), Izzy Northrop (Leeds Rhinos), Eboni Partington (York Valkyrie), Tamzin Renouf (York Valkyrie), Georgia Roche (Newcastle Knights), Erin Stott (St Helens), Bella Sykes (Leeds Rhinos), Paige Travis (Parramatta Eels), Vicky Whitfield (St Helens), Liv Wood (York Valkyrie)
Las Vegas Quadruple-Header Set to Thrill Fans
The Australia vs. England women’s Test match will be part of a blockbuster quadruple-header in Las Vegas, featuring three other high-profile clashes:
- Wigan Warriors vs. Warrington Wolves
- Canberra Raiders vs. New Zealand Warriors
- Penrith Panthers vs. Cronulla Sharks
With four thrilling matchups on the schedule, rugby league fans are in for an unforgettable spectacle in Las Vegas.
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