Harvey Norman Australian Jillaroos Coach Jess Skinner has named her side for the Pacific Championships clash with New Zealand as part of an historic Eden Park double-header in Auckland on Sunday (1:35pm AEDT kick-off).
Sharks NRLW prop Ellie Johnston has earned a starting role after her strong international debut off the bench against Fetu Samoa in Brisbane, while Wests Tigers forward Sarah Togatuki will make her first appearance of the tournament, coming on to the bench in the only other change to the 17 following last Sunday's 60-0 triumph at Suncorp Stadium.
Harvey Norman Jillaroos Coach Jess Skinner said the team is preparing for a stern challenge from their Trans-Tasman rivals.
"This Sunday shapes as a great test for the team coming up against a very familiar opposition in the Kiwi Ferns who will be looking to put on a great performance in front of their home fans on a special occasion at Eden Park," Skinner said.
"We've made a great start to the tournament with the win last Sunday, but there is still a lot we can do to improve on that performance and New Zealand brings a different challenge for us. These are always very tough and physical contests, and it will be up to us to match the intensity and physicality that we know the Kiwi Ferns will bring."
The squad is as follows:
- Tamika Upton
- Julia Robinson
- Isabelle Kelly
- Tiana Penitani Gray
- Jessica Sergis
- Ali Brigginshaw (c)
- Jesse Southwell
- Ellie Johnston
- Keeley Davis
- Jessika Elliston
- Kezie Apps (c)
- Yasmin Clydsdale
- Olivia Kernick
- Quincy Dodd
- Keilee Joseph
- Rima Butler
- Sarah Togatuki
- Jakiya Whitfeld
- Abbi Church
- Jocelyn Kelleher
- Makenzie Weale
