Dally M medallist Tamika Upton is one of three NRLW players set to make their international debut after the Jillaroos squad was announced on Tuesday morning.
Upton’s selection caps a spectacular 2023 season in which she steered the Knights to back-to-back premierships and received the Karyn Murphy Medal for the second time as player of the match.
Fellow Knights players Yasmin Clydesdale and Caitaln Johnston have also been selected, but there’s no room for 18-year-old halfback Jesse Southwell.
Joining Upton for debuts are Cowboys hooker Emma Manzelmann and Titans prop Jessika Elliston.
Coach Brad Donald has included veteran halfback Ali Brigginshaw as well superstar Roosters duo Isabelle Kelly and Jess Sergis despite the latter missing the end of the NRLW season due to a finger injury.
The Jillaroos face the Kiwi Ferns in Townsville on October 14.
Tarryn Aiken (Roosters) Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers) Shaylee Bent (Titans) Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos) Lauren Brown (Titans) Jaime Chapman (Titans) Kennedy Cherrington (Eels) Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights) Keeley Davis (Roosters) Jess Elliston* (Titans) Caitlan Johnston (Knights) Isabelle Kelly (Roosters) Olivia Kernick (Roosters) Emma Manzelmann* (Cowboys) Shannon Mato (Titans) Evania Pelite (Titans) Julia Robinson (Broncos) Jessica Sergis (Roosters) Simaima Taufa (Raiders) Emma Tonegato (Sharks) Tamika Upton* (Knights)
The Cook Islands, New Zealand ,Samoan, Fijian, Papua New Guinea, and Tongan teams are not announced as yet.
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