Robinson caps rise with Jillaroos debut

Julia Robinson has a pretty good excuse to skip work but is still feeling guilty for getting more time off to make her Jillaroos debut in Saturday's Test against New Zealand.The 20-year-old Brisbane winger will cap a meteoric rise when she runs out in the green and gold in Auckland just four months after playing her first game of rugby league. Robinson already felt she owed her boss after receiving a break from truck-driving duties with the Australian Defence Force to feature in the inaugural NRL Women's Premiership, where she helped spark the Broncos' title success.

Hence the Brisbane speedster thought she might be stretching the friendship when she asked for yet another week off after earning what she believed was a shock Jillaroos call-up. Robinson again got the green light but the army private felt she would have to pull her weight upon her return to her barracks in Townsville."I called up my boss and he has been very supportive of my NRL dream," Robinson said."He was more than happy for me to go to New Zealand this week. "(But) I have to go back to work and show them that I am here to work for the Defence Force." The Broncos X-factor earned more time off after being one of five rookies named in the Jillaroos 17 for the Kiwi Ferns clash.She joins fellow debutants Jess Sergis, Holli Wheeler and Keeley Davis - all of St George Illawarra - plus Sydney Roosters' Tazmin Gray.

In-form Kiwi Ferns stars to test Jillaroos

New Zealand women's national rugby league team coach Kelvin Wright has named a host of in-form players from the inaugural NRL Women's Premiership for Saturday's Test against Australia.The ageless Laura Mariu and Honey Hireme will co-captain the Kiwi Ferns with four members of NRLW champions Brisbane in the starting side. Former NRL prop Justin Morgan was introduced as an assistant coach while retired Warriors and Kiwis great Simon Mannering is a trainer.

Kiwi Ferns: Apii Nicholls, Karley Te Kawa, Honey Hireme, Maitua Feterika, Langi Veainu, Raecene McGregor, Kimiora Nati, Ngatokotoru Arakua, Nita Maynard, Aieshaleigh Smalley, Onjeurlina Leiataua, Teuila Fotu-Moala, Laura Mariu. Interchange (from): Georgia Hale, Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala, Sui Pauaraisa, Amber Kani, Raquel Anderson-Pittman, Lilieta Maumau.

Murphy my inspiration: Jillaroos skipper

Inspiration won't be far away for Ali Brigginshaw when she steps up as Jillaroos skipper in Saturday's Auckland Test against New Zealand.Brisbane halfback Brigginshaw said she would follow the example set by her idol and retired great Karyn Murphy, who also just happens to be the Jillaroos assistant coach.Brigginshaw will lead the Australian women's rugby league team for the first time after replacing injured skipper Sam Bremner (broken toe).

The Jillaroos captaincy capped a stellar season for Brisbane skipper Brigginshaw who steered the Broncos to the maiden NRL Women's Premiership title, going through the inaugural season undefeated. Brigginshaw felt for Bremner and hoped to do the St George Illawarra fullback proud but admitted another Jillaroos captain would provide her motivation on Saturday - Murphy. The Broncos star said simply having Murphy on the support staff was an inspiration ahead of her Jillaroos captaincy debut. Murphy played 27 Tests including 17 as skipper before her 2014 retirement. The Karyn Murphy Medal for player of the NRLW grand final is named in her honour.

Brigginshaw announced as Jillaroos captain

Capping a stellar season, Ali Brigginshaw will replace an injured Sam Bremner as Jillaroos captain for Saturday's Auckland Test against New Zealand.The classy Brisbane halfback will lead the Australian women's rugby league team in the absence of Bremner, who misses a chance to make her debut as Jillaroos captain after pulling out with a broken toe. The Jillaroos job is another highlight for Brigginshaw, who is still buzzing from steering the Broncos to a historic NRL Women's Premiership title win.

Skipper Brigginshaw helped Brisbane go through the inaugural NRLW undefeated, winning all four games including a 34-12 grand-final victory over Sydney Roosters. "I can't believe I got named but I am honoured and the girls have really been supportive of me," Brigginshaw said as the Jillaroos flew out from Brisbane to Auckland. "Sammy is not there which is disappointing but I know I will go out and lead by example like she would and do her proud." St George Illawarra fullback Bremner succumbed to the toe fracture that had sidelined her for the NRLW's final two rounds. Jillaroos coach Brad Donald felt for Bremner, who was named skipper barely a week ago, but backed Brigginshaw to step up. "Whilst we're sad that Sam isn't able to take her position captaining the team, Ali will do a fantastic job on Saturday," he said. The toe injury extended Dragons No.1 Bremner's rotten run of luck in the green and gold.