Australia Jillaroos Rugby League World Cup 2026 Squad
The Jillaroos have won the last three Women’s Rugby League World Cups, and now they’re chasing a fourth on home soil.
But the squad coach Jess Skinner has just named looks very different from the one that won last time.
Australia have named their 23-player Jillaroos squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2026, with Isabelle Kelly captain for the first time and Ali Brigginshaw left out.
They open against Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Friday 16 October, one day after the men’s opener.
Below, you’ll find the full squad, the three debutants, every fixture in UK and Sydney time, and how to watch.
We’ll keep this page updated with any changes before kick-off, so it’s worth bookmarking.
Quick Answer: Australia Jillaroos at the Rugby League World Cup 2026
- Squad: 23 players, named on 5 October 2026
- Captain: Isabelle Kelly, captaining Australia for the first time
- Coach: Jess Skinner
- Group: Group A with England, Samoa and Wales
- First match: Australia v Samoa, Friday 16 October, CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, 8:05pm Sydney time
- World Cup titles: Three in a row (2013, 2017 and 2021)
Jillaroos World Cup Squad: All 23 Players
Jess Skinner named her squad on Monday 5 October 2026, the day after the NRLW Grand Final.
| Players | Players | Players |
|---|---|---|
| Tarryn Aiken | Ellie Johnston | Julia Robinson |
| Kezie Apps | Keilee Joseph | Jessica Sergis |
| Shaylee Bent | Jocelyn Kelleher (debut) | Jesse Southwell |
| Abbi Church | Isabelle Kelly (captain) | Simaima Taufa |
| Jaime Chapman | Olivia Kernick | Sarah Togatuki |
| Quincy Dodd | Keeley Nizza | Tamika Upton |
| Millie Elliott | Sariah Paki (debut) | Makenzie Weale (debut) |
| Olivia Higgins | Tiana Penitani Gray |
Eight of the 23 come from the Sydney Roosters, who went through the NRLW season undefeated and won the Grand Final.
Roosters duo Sariah Paki and Jocelyn Kelleher and Cowboys prop Makenzie Weale are the three debutants.
Who Missed Out on the Jillaroos Squad?
The biggest name left out is Ali Brigginshaw. The Broncos halfback is retiring at the end of the year and had hoped for a fourth World Cup.
Skinner said Brigginshaw was upset when she was told. Tarryn Aiken, Jocelyn Kelleher and Jesse Southwell were picked instead.
Key Jillaroos Players to Watch
Isabelle Kelly
The Roosters centre takes over as captain after being one of the stars of Sunday’s Grand Final.
It’s the first time she has captained her country, at a home World Cup.
Millie Elliott
The Roosters forward played her final NRLW game on Grand Final day and now heads to her biggest stage.
Sariah Paki
The former rugby sevens star joins the forwards after a strong season with the Roosters, and she’s one of the three debutants.
Jillaroos Fixtures and Kick-off Times at the Rugby League World Cup 2026
| Date | Match | Venue | UK time | Sydney time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 16 Oct | Australia v Samoa | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta | 10:05am | 8:05pm |
| Sat 24 Oct | Australia v England | HBF Park, Perth | 10:05am | 8:05pm |
| Sun 1 Nov | Australia v Wales | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta | 4:45am | 3:45pm |
For every match in your time zone, see our Rugby League World Cup 2026 kick-off times guide.
Jillaroos Team List v Samoa
The Jillaroos open against Samoa on Friday 16 October at CommBank Stadium, kicking off at 8:05pm Sydney time (10:05am UK).
The 17 hasn’t been named yet. Teams are usually named a couple of days before kick-off, so expect it around Wednesday 14 October. We’ll add it here as soon as it’s announced.
How the Jillaroos Can Reach the Semi-Finals
Australia are in Group A with England, Samoa and Wales. The top two teams reach the semi-finals on 7 and 8 November.
The Perth clash with England is the one to watch. See their squad on our England Women World Cup squad page.
Our Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 guide covers every group and match.
Who Is the Jillaroos Coach?
Jess Skinner has coached the Jillaroos since February 2025.
She said every player in the squad earned her place through her performances and consistency. For official news, see NRL.com.
How to Watch the Jillaroos
- Australia: Free on the Seven Network and 7plus
- New Zealand: Sky Sport
- UK and Ireland: Premier Sports
For more countries, see our guide to watching the Rugby League World Cup 2026.
Tickets for the Jillaroos’ Matches
Most women’s matches are played alongside men’s games, so one ticket usually covers more than one match. Tickets start from $19 AUD.
See our tickets guide for where to buy safely. Flying in from overseas? An Australia eSIM from Airalo keeps your phone working as soon as you land.
Jillaroos World Cup Squad: FAQ
Who is in the Jillaroos squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2026?
Jess Skinner named a 23-player squad on 5 October 2026, led by captain Isabelle Kelly, with three debutants.
Who is the Jillaroos captain?
Isabelle Kelly of the Sydney Roosters captains the Jillaroos for the first time.
Is Ali Brigginshaw in the Jillaroos squad?
No. Brigginshaw, who is retiring at the end of the year, was left out of the squad.
When do the Jillaroos play their first World Cup match?
The Jillaroos play Samoa on Friday 16 October 2026 at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, kicking off at 8:05pm Sydney time.
How many Women’s World Cups have the Jillaroos won?
The Jillaroos have won the last three, in 2013, 2017 and 2021.
Conclusion
The Jillaroos start as favourites for a fourth straight title, with a Roosters core and a new captain.
It all starts against Samoa on 16 October. For official news, visit rlwc2026.com.
Jillaroos Squad Updates
- 5 October 2026: Page published with the Jillaroos’ 23-player World Cup squad.
