'I was really disappointed': Olivia Kernick lifts the lid on bizarre axing ahead of Jillaroos return
Olivia Kernick has lifted the lid on her bizarre axing from the Jillaroos last year, as the Dally M Medal winner prepares to return in the green and gold.
The back-rower, who took out the NRLW's top individual honour in 2024, was strangely ommitted by now-former coach Brad Donald for the year-end Pacific Championships.
At the time, it led to plenty of backlash, but Kernick remained rather tight-lipped and refused to criticise the decision from Donald and the coaching staff.
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Olivia Kernick during the NRLW season. Getty
But now, after being brought back into the Australian team for their one-off clash with England in Las Vegas on Sunday (AEDT), the 24-year-old has explained her side of the story and why she is buzzing to be back in the national set-up.
"I was really disappointed not to make the Pacific Champs squad," Kernick told AAP.
"Ultimately those decisions are in the hands of other people and I can only focus on what I can control, which is my performance.
"I took the positives from a negative situation and I was able to go to New Zealand, see my family and play in a Maori tournament."
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Kernick starred for the Roosters during their premiership campaign last year, but her celebrations were dealt a bit of a blow when Donald made the selection call.
She confirmed reports regarding when the phone call was made by the ex-Aussie coach.
Former Jillaroos head coach Brad Donald. Getty
"It's such a hard time to announce the team and let the players know because the coach doesn't want to do it before a grand final and put a player off their game," Kernick said.
"They've got to prepare and let players know information about the Pacific Champs.
"It just happened to fall on our Mad Monday, but I was just happy I had the girls around me and it was a good environment to be in."
Kernick has been named to start on the edge for the Jillaroos at Allegiant Stadium.
