The Australian women’s rugby league team, the Jillaroos, is set to mark the beginning of a new era under interim coach Jess Skinner this weekend with their highly anticipated match against England at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Skinner has taken over the role from long-time coach Brad Donald, who stepped down following controversies during the Pacific Championships last year.
Skinner, who has been part of the Jillaroos coaching staff for several years, has made her presence felt without drastic changes to the squad, which has been one of the dominant teams on the world stage. One significant alteration is the return of Dally M Medal winner Olivia Kernick to the starting lineup for this Test, which kicks off Skinner's tenure.
Despite the coaching change, seasoned players like Julia Robinson believe continuity is key. “She’s been part of the program for a few years and she’s come in as head coach and we’re all vibing her,” Robinson stated during her appearance on SENQ Breakfast. “She’s making us feel so connected as a team, so I think coming to this camp, there hasn’t been much of a difference.”
Skinner, who led the Indigenous All Stars team to victory with her strategic approach, aims to maintain the successful culture established under Donald. “She’s an incredible coach, she’s done so much for the women’s game and we’re very excited to be led by her,” Robinson added, showcasing the optimism within the squad as they prepare for the challenge against England.
The upcoming match is also set against the backdrop of broader changes within the NRL itself. St George Illawarra’s newly appointed chief executive, Tim Watsford, has expressed interest in featuring the team as part of the Las Vegas season opener slated for 2026. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Dragons are one of four NRL clubs potentially scheduled to make the trip to the United States.
Watsford, who takes on his role officially in June, emphasized the importance of playing on an international platform. “There’s absolute desire and the Dragons deserve to be on the biggest stage,” he remarked during his interview on SEN Radio, indicating proactive discussions with NRL leadership about bringing the club to Las Vegas.
The Dragons are expected to go head-to-head against their old rivals, the Canterbury Bulldogs, which would surely draw significant attention from fans eager for rugby league action across the Pacific. Watsford mentioned his excitement about discussing how to showcase the club and its brand effectively to new audiences.
Meanwhile, the Jillaroos are gearing up for their match against England, which not only serves as their first encounter under Skinner's leadership, but also sets the tone for the upcoming months filled with intense competition. Robinson highlighted the importance of their preparations for additional tournaments, including the State of Origin series beginning on May 1.
“We don’t officially start until July, but we still have so much footy at the start of the year. We’ve got our Origin camp coming up, and it just rolls on to the next thing.” Robinson’s engagement shows how the Jillaroos balance immediate competition and long-term aspirations.
The excitement building around the Jillaroos and the potential international exposure for the NRL is indicative of the growing recognition of women's rugby league and its evolution. Everyone is anticipating how Skinner's strategies will play out on the field and contribute to the Jillaroos’ legacy.
Overall, Skinner's arrival and the game against England signal not just the start of fresh leadership for the Jillaroos, but also encapsulate the burgeoning confidence and visibility of women’s rugby league on the international stage, amid significant developments within the broader NRL framework.