'Disappointed' Dally M winner breaks silence on bizarre snub as Jillaroos selections probed

Roosters star Olivia Kernick has given a gracious response to being snubbed by Jillaroos selectors but admits she was "disappointed" by the decision.

In one of the more bizarre selection calls in recent memory, the back-rower was overlooked for the squad despite taking out the Dally M Medal just days earlier.

Kernick was also part of the Tricolours' victory in the NRLW grand final on Sunday, crossing for a double against the Sharks in a thrilling finale to the season.

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The news filtered through on Monday that Kernick had been left out of the squad for the Pacific Championships, while the star forward was in the midst of premiership celebrations.

She received a phone call from Jillaroos coach Brad Donald while on a boat in Sydney harbour with her Roosters teammates.

"You know what? It was sad and I know what I need to work on," she said on the Upfront podcast, hosted by teammates Millie Elliott and Keeley Davis.

"I was with my teammates and I actually enjoyed the rest of the day. I had a good time.

"Disappointed for myself but so happy for the girls and can't wait to cheer them on. Obviously would've loved to have been in there with you girls.

"We've worked really hard this year, we've all dialled in, we've all made so many sacrifices in our relationships, families. It's been such a big year for all of us."

Kernick finished the NRLW campaign with six tries and eight linebreaks in 11 appearances, averaging 164 run metres and 31 tackles per game.

She also started for the Sky Blues in the women's State of Origin series, despite Jillaroos coach Donald claiming she came off the bench in his press conference this week, drawing a fierce reaction from league great Greg Alexander.

"Don't tell me Brad Donald didn't watch the Origin games, and he's the Australian coach. Tell me that didn't happen," he said on SEN radio.

"He's seen (she was wearing jersey) 15 … how can he have watched? If he's actually said she started on the bench in Origin... How can he say that if she didn't?"

Reports have surfaced via News Corp that the ARL Commission are looking into the surprising omission.

Kezie Apps will captain the team alongside Ali Brigginshaw.