Sydney Roosters skipper Isabelle Kelly will lead her country for the first time as captain, heading a 23-player squad tasked with winning a fourth consecutive Rugby League World Cup. The selection process marked a significant shift in leadership, as coach Jess Skinner confirmed the difficult omission of 36-year-old veteran Ali Brigginshaw. The legendary halfback, who recently concluded her NRLW career following the Brisbane Broncos' grand final loss to the Roosters, was informed of the decision in a call that Skinner described as one of the hardest of her coaching career.
This roster announcement reflects a definitive changing of the guard within Australian women's rugby league. While Brigginshaw served the national jersey for over 17 years, the coaching staff opted for the current form of Tarryn Aiken. Aiken, who secured the Karyn Murphy Medal after a standout grand final performance, spearheaded the Roosters' 30-6 victory by scoring a try and contributing two assists. Her selection, alongside club teammate and debutant Jocelyn Kelleher, signals a transition in the halves pairing as Australia looks to maintain its international dominance.
The Sydney Roosters dominate the squad with eight representatives, while the Broncos contribute three players. Alongside Kelleher, Roosters teammate Sariah Paki and North Queensland Cowboys prop Makenzie Weale are set to make their international debuts. Wests Tigers back rower Shaylee Bent also earns a recall, returning to the setup for the first time since 2023. Retiring veteran Millie Elliott remains in the fold to provide experience for what is expected to be a final tournament appearance.
Australian Rugby League Commission Executive Chairman Peter V’landys confirmed that the group was chosen based on season-long consistency in the NRLW. The selected players are now preparing to carry on the legacy of the three previous Australian teams that successfully lifted the World Cup trophy.