Australia Women v England Women is the penultimate game of the Las Vegas quartet of matches and both sides are stacked with talent from the WSL and the NRLW.
The two sides haven’t faced each other since the 2017 World Cup group stages, with the Jillaroos winning 38-0 in Sydney.
Australia went on to win the tournament beating New Zealand 23-16 whilst England were beaten by New Zealand 52-4 at the semi-final stage.
Since then, Australia has retained the World Cup in 2021 in a similar fashion.
England were once again beaten by New Zealand in the semi-finals, losing 20-6, before Australia beat them 54-4 in the final at Old Trafford.
It’s fair to say that the Aussies have dominated the women’s game for years but England feels like they’re closing the gap.
In such a historic game, recently retired St Helens player Tara Jones is set to make her international touch judge debut as she starts the next phase of her career as a full-time match official.
Australia Women team news
Arguably for Australia, they host the world’s best players in most positions so it’s up to England to get the better of their opposition.
2024 Dally M winner Olivia Kernick features after a sensational season, just her third in the NRLW.
Joint top try-scorer Julia Robinson features for the Jillaroos as does Captain of the Year Tiana Penitani.
Jillaroos head coach Jess Skinner is looking forward to playing in front of new fans and isn’t underestimating a new and improved England side.
Speaking to the NRL media, she said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the Jillaroos to play in Las Vegas and reach a new audience. We’re looking forward to elevating women’s rugby league on a world-class stage.
“We have a strong rivalry with England and a lot has changed since we last faced them in 2017. This high-profile match is a great way to strengthen the national program and help the Jillaroos prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
“The team had an excellent training session before heading over to the USA and we’re eager to bring everything together in Vegas for what promises to be an incredible game of women’s rugby league.”
Australia Women team: Tamika Upton (Brisbane Broncos), Jakiya Whitfeld (North Queensland Cowboys), Isabelle Kelly (Sydney Roosters), Tiana Penitani (Cronulla Sharks), Julia Robinson (Brisbane Broncos), Ali Brigginshaw (Brisbane Broncos), Tarryn Aiken (Sydney Roosters), Shannon Mato (Gold Coast Titans), Olivia Higgins (Newcastle Knights), Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers), Olivia Kernick (Sydney Roosters), Yasmin Clydsdale (Newcastle Knights), Simaima Taufa (Canberra Raiders).
Interchanges: Quincy Dodd (Cronulla Sharks), Jessica Sergis (Sydney Roosters), Sarah Togatuki (Wests Tigers), Keilee Joseph (Brisbane Broncos).
England Women team news
Several England players have made the move down under to play in the NRLW and back home, the WSL is getting more competitive year on year.
Georgia Roche and Hollie-Mae Dodd have both spent the last two years at Newcastle Knights and Canberra Raiders respectively, with both players staying for the 2025 season too.
Paige Travis is also making the move to Australia next season, having recently signed for the Parramatta Eels.
Only three players remain from that 2017 loss, Amy Hardcastle, Shona Hoyle and captain Jodie Cunningham, but any Australia v England match is bound to have fireworks.Â
England go into the game on the back of an 82-0 win over Wales in November and after the most competitive year in the WSL, they’ll hope to show the Aussies they mean business.
Current Woman of Steel Georgie Dagger returns to the side after she missed the autumn international due to getting married to York Knights’ Will Dagger.
Roche missed last season’s internationals due to club commitments so is excited to get back into the England set-up.
Speaking during England camp, he said: “I’m really looking forward to playing alongside some of those girls that I’ve not played with for a long time, either at club or international level. That just makes the occasion a bit more special.
“We’re a completely different outfit now compared to when we last played them and I think the hard work that everybody’s put in from the last World Cup to now has changed us.
“I think what they’re expecting us to deliver will be different to what we’ll do.”
England Women team: Georgie Dagger (York Valkyrie), Eboni Partington (York Valkyrie), Tamzin Renouf (York Valkyrie), Amy Hardcastle (St Helens), Anna Davies (Wigan Warriors), Zoe Harris (St Helens), Georgia Roche (Newcastle Knights), Liv Wood (York Valkyrie), Keara Bennett (Leeds Rhinos), Shona Hoyle (St Helens), Hollie-Mae Dodd (Canberra Raiders), Paige Travis (Parramatta Eels), Jodie Cunningham (St Helens).
Interchanges: Katie Mottershead (St Helens), Vicky Whitfield (St Helens), Bella Sykes (Leeds Rhinos), Izzy Northrop (Leeds Rhinos).
