The Harvey Norman Australian Jillaroos squad for Rugby League World Cup 2026 has been named.
Sydney Roosters skipper Isabelle Kelly has been named to Captain her country for the first time in Coach Jess Skinner’s 23-player squad which features three potential debutants in Roosters players Sariah Paki and Jocelyn Kelleher, and North Queensland Cowboys prop Makenzie Weale.
Premiers Sydney Roosters have the most players in the squad with eight, while their Grand Final opponents Brisbane Broncos have contributed three players including three-time Dally M medallist Tamika Upton.
Wests Tigers back rower Shaylee Bent has been rewarded for her outstanding NRLW campaign by being named in a Jillaroos squad for the first time since 2023, while the World Cup will provide a fitting swansong for retiring veteran Millie Elliott.
Australian Rugby League Commission Executive Chairman Peter V’landys AM said players selected in the Jillaroos squad will have the honour of representing their nation on the biggest stage in Rugby League.
“Representing the Jillaroos is the pinnacle of the game for our Australian players and the 23 players named today have the honour of being the seventh Jillaroos squad chosen to represent their country in a World Cup.
“Every player named today has earned their place in the squad with their consistency throughout the NRLW season and they are ready to follow in the footsteps of the three previous Jillaroos World Cup teams that lifted the trophy at the end of the tournament.
“On behalf of the Commission we congratulate all players on their selection and a special mention to Isabelle Kelly for her deserved appointment as Jillaroos Captain for the first time at this World Cup.”
Jillaroos Coach Jess Skinner said: “To be selected to represent Australia at a Rugby League World Cup is one of the highest honours in our game, and every player named in this squad has earned the opportunity through their performances, consistency and the way they contribute to the team.
“Selection was incredibly competitive and there were some very difficult decisions, but we believe this group gives us the balance, and versatility we need for a World Cup campaign.
“What excites me most is the mix of experience and emerging talent, and the different strengths each player brings. We now have the responsibility to come together, represent the jersey with pride and make the most of the opportunity to play a World Cup on home soil.”
Jillaroos World Cup squad
Isabelle Kelly (Captain, Sydney Roosters)
Tarryn Aiken (Sydney Roosters)
Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers)
Shaylee Bent (Wests Tigers)
Abbi Church (Parramatta Eels)
Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast Titans)
Quincy Dodd (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Millie Elliott (Sydney Roosters)
Olivia Higgins (Newcastle Knights)
Ellie Johnston (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Keilee Joseph (Parramatta Eels)
Jocelyn Kelleher* (Sydney Roosters)
Olivia Kernick (Sydney Roosters)
Keeley Nizza (Sydney Roosters)
Sariah Paki* (Sydney Roosters)
Tiana Penitani Gray (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Julia Robinson (Brisbane Broncos)
Jessica Sergis (Sydney Roosters)
Jesse Southwell (Brisbane Broncos)
Simaima Taufa (Canberra Raiders)
Sarah Togatuki (Wests Tigers)
Tamika Upton (Brisbane Broncos)
Makenzie Weale* (North Queensland Cowboys)
* Denotes debutant
