Simaima Taufa says the Jillaroos have the power to show rival countries women’s rugby league is worth the investment as they fly to England as heavy favourites to claim another international crown.
The Australian team is in camp on the Gold Coast before they board a flight to England chasing their third consecutive World Cup win, with few bookmakers giving rival nations even the barest hope of beating the Jillaroos.
Jillaroos coach Brad Donald said concerns about landslide victories were “a good worry to have”, and while declaring New Zealand, England and France can all provide stiff competition, he hopes Australia’s performances in the northern hemisphere will show other nations “if you invest, you get great reward”. The English Super League boasts a 12-team, two-tiered women’s league, but Australia still arrive as hot favourites for the World Cup.
Parramatta Eels lock Taufa says the looming tournament offers an opportunity for the Jillaroos to further vindicate the NRL’s investment in the NRLW, which will expand from six to 10 teams in 2023.
“The investment the NRL has made in the NRLW competition, you can see it by the calibre of players that have been able to come through. You’ve got the likes of Keilee Joseph, Caitlan Johnston, Shannon Mato, they’re able to wear the jersey for the first time,” Taufa said.
“We know the NRLW has brought a lot and we know those systems are working. We’re just looking forward to inspiring the next generation of girls to be in our position, because that’s the legacy we want to leave as a whole playing group.
Simaima Taufa says the Jillaroos can further vindicate the investment in the NRLW.Credit:Renee Nowytarger
“We want to inspire [rival countries] because we know if they play really well, it’s going to push us to levels that probably wouldn’t have been able to get to.
“It’s going to be a fast game but we’ll be on the front foot with that, because we’ve been able to play consistent footy with NRLW.”
Kangaroos squad members are in line to earn $40,000 on a pro-rata basis during the men’s tournament, with Australia poised to play their second game of the World Cup against Scotland on Saturday morning (AEDT).
The Jillaroos’ tournament begins against the Cook Islands at York Community Stadium on November 3 (AEDT), with Australia targeting a place in the final at Old Trafford 17 days later.
“We don’t take any opposition lightly, because we know whoever turns up on the day will get the job done. For our whole careers, those jerseys are really hard to come by, and we know every player out there is wanting to be in your position,” Taufa said.
“To be able to be recognised as one of 24 to go across and get the job done for our country, I’m really looking forward to it. There’s been COVID-19 for a couple of years and we haven’t been able to travel. We’ve got 13 debutants, it’s really exciting.”
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