Jilaroos Coach Resigns Before Historic Vegas Match Amid NRL Probe

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Jillaroos coach Brad Donald has quit just weeks out from Australia’s Test match against England at Allegiant Stadium after an NRL investigation into an alleged foul-mouthed rant in front of players.

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Donald had been in charge of the women’s national side since 2016 but his position has been on shaky ground following a controversial call to leave Dally M Medal winner Olivia Kernick out of the Pacific Championships squad last year.

That decision was justified as Australia avenged their loss in the 2023 decider with a comprehensive win over New Zealand, but Donald has since come under fire following reports he allegedly made a disparaging comment about a journalist in front of players.

The NRL became aware of the incident and launched a subsequent investigation, with Donald opting to quit after guiding the Jillaroos to World Cup glory and the number one ranking with assistant Jess Skinner to lead the team in Las Vegas.

“The ARLC acknowledges and thanks Brad for his extensive efforts in coaching and elevating the Jillaroos to the position they are in as the number one ranked team in the world and World Cup champions,” an NRL statement said.

The decision to leave Kernick out of the squad last year shocked many given she was just about the best player on the field in the Roosters’ grand final win over the Sharks.

But Donald’s departure has seen an immediate backflip with the edge forward named in the traveling squad for the Test against England, with veterans Ali Brigginshaw and Kezie Apps to captain the side.

The team will have a shorter preparation than expected after a training camp on the Gold Coast was cancelled last month, but Skinner’s coaching experience should ensure the team is more than ready for the match.

Jillaroos travelling squad:

Tarryn Aitken, Kezie Apps (c), Ali Brigginshaw (c), Lauren Brown, Yasmin Clydsdale, Keeley Davis, Quincy Dodd, Jessika Elliston, Olivia Higgins, Keilee Joseph, Isabelle Kelly, Olivia Kernick, Shannon Mato, Mahalia Murphy, Tiana Penitani, Julia Robinson, Jessica Sergis, Simaima Taufa, Sarah Togatuki, Tamika Upton, Jakiya Whitfield