Jillaroos coach resigns ahead of Las Vegas Test against England
Brad Donald has resigned as Jillaroos coach, with his replacement Jess Skinner making an immediate statement ahead of the upcoming Test against England in Las Vegas.
It was reported last month Donald’s job was under threat as the NRL finalised an investigation into a disparaging comment allegedly made in front of players.
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) confirmed his departure on Friday, after nine years in the role, ahead of the March 1 international 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 read.
Skinner has been appointed as interim Jillaroos coach.
She included Dally M medallist Olivia Kernick and Keeley Davis in the squad for the Las Vegas Test.
Kernick was a controversial omission from last year’s Jillaroos squad for the Pacific Championships.
The Jillaroos play England in a one-off Test in Las Vegas on March 1. (Getty Images: Izhar Khan)
Donald was a long-time employee of the NRL, having started work as a game development manager in Queensland in 2002.
He became one of the most prominent and influential drivers in the women’s game, while coaching the Jillaroos through their most dominant era.
Donald was at the helm for Australia’s World Cup wins in 2017 and 2022, and at one stage took the Jillaroos on a seven-year, 15-match unbeaten run before his sole loss to New Zealand in 2023.
Jillaroos squad: Kezie Apps (c), Ali Brigginshaw (c), Tarryn Aitken, 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
AAP
