'He cared about the jersey': Jillaroos captain Ali Brigginshaw defends ex-coach Brad Donald's legacy after shock resignation
Ali Brigginshaw has jumped to the defence of former Jillaroos coach Brad Donald following his sudden departure from the national team.
Donald sensationally resigned from his duties with the team earlier this month, marking the end of an eight-year tenure.
The bizarre resignation announcement came just weeks out from the Jillaroos' Las Vegas debut, with little details given on the reasoning behind his exit.
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Donald remains the longest-serving and most successful Jillaroos coach, assisting the team to win back-to-back World Cups.
He also led the team through a seven-year unbeaten run and played a vital role in the development of the NRLW.
Former Jillaroos head coach Brad Donald. Getty
But Donald's legacy and commitment to the women's game was limited in the press release and no press conference was held following the announcement.
The bizarre nature of the announcement by the sport's governing body prompted many of Donald's former players to defend his reputation.
"Definitely sad to see him go, I've had many great and amazing memories, some of the best times of my rugby league career have been with Brad Donald," Jillaroos captain Brigginshaw said.
Kezie Apps and Ali Brigginshaw of Australia celebrate with the Women's Rugby League World Cup trophy. Getty Images for RLWC
"The thing I really loved about Brad was how much he cared about the jersey and we always talked about leaving any place the Jillaroos had been a better place.
"He's never used the women's game to try to make it further in the men's game.
"He was 100 per cent a game change in the women's space. He wanted to change the game in every aspect and absolutely fought through everything and many, many battles to make sure the women's game was in a better place.
"I know he'll continue to do that also."
Brigginshaw's praise followed Donald's rocky journey in recent month having been placed under the spotlight for his snubbing of Olivia Kernick in the Pacific Championships team and later for an alleged foul rant about a journalist.
Former team skipper Sam Bremner added to Brigginshaw's praise for the former coach, revealing his support in her return to the game after child birth remains something she will always be grateful for.
"I know personally for me, especially coming back from children, he was my number one supporter," she said.
"(He) allowed me the space to have an opportunity to do things that I really wanted to do which I'll be forever grateful for.
"I think what's really important to remember is not that many people were talking about us or watching us and we weren't on TV when Brad was first at the helm of the Jillaroos.
"He personally knocked on doors for us so that we were able to have those opportunities to play rugby league.
"He did so much work that a lot of people didn't realise."
The Jillaroos will face England in a historic Test match on March 1 in Las Vegas.
