Jesse Southwell one of five debutants for Jillaroos, one year after brutal Origin axing

NRLW star Jesse Southwell has been selected among four other potential debutants after the Jillaroos squad was named.

Tarryn Aiken was the halfback for the Jillaroos earlier in the year against England but she injured her ACL in September.

Southwell's call-up comes after she was dropped in 2024 for NSW in State of Origin. This year she returned to the team, leading her side to a series win.

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Jillaroos co-captain, Kezie Apps, spoke of her excitement to see the halfback in the green and gold.

"She's obviously had a few ups and downs over the last couple of years but for her this year she's definitely taken her game to another level and she's definitely matured a lot and I love playing alongside her," she said.

"I'm super proud of her for how she's performed this year and she definitely deserves this opportunity."

Jillaroos coach, Jess Skinner, has worked with the 20-year-old from a young age, and described her as a "really smart footballer".

"I met her when she was 17 and she knows football but she's also a sponge and loves to learn ... she's the future of our game and deserves to be in this team," she said.

The halfback was part of Newcastle's finals campaign but couldn't deliver a grand final appearance.

Speculation has been rampant linking her to a move to the Broncos for next season, a dagger blow to the Knights considering the club lost her sister, Hannah, last year as well.

The Jillaroos will play Fetu Samoa on October 26 and New Zealand Kiwi Ferns on November 2 as part of the Pacific Championships.

Rima Butler, Ellie Johnston, Jocelyn Kelleher and Sienna Lofipo are the other debutants.

Jillaroos squad

Kezie Apps (c), Ali Brigginshaw (c), Rima Butle, Yasmin Clydsdale, Keeley Davis, Quincy Dodd, Jessika Elliston, Ellie Johnston, Keilee Joseph, Jocelyn Kelleher, Isabelle Kelly, Olivia Kernick, Sienna Lofipo, Tiana Penitani Gray, Julia Robinson, Jessica Sergis, Jesse Southwell, Sarah Togatuki, Tamika Upton, Jakiya Whitfeld, Emma Verran

Kiwi Ferns

Abigail Roache, Alexis Tauanea, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Annessa Biddle, Apii Nicholls, Ashleigh Quinlan, Brianna Clark, Brooke Anderson, Georgia Hale (co-captain), Ivana Lauitiiti, Leianne Tufuga, Mele Hufanga, Otesa Pule, Patricia Maliepo, Raecene McGregor (co-captain)Shakira Baker, Shaniece Monschau, Shanice Parker, Tiana Davison, Tyla King, Tysha Ikenasio

Fetu Samoa

Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala, Belinda-Jane Likah Clarke, Destiny Brill, Destiny Mino-Sinapati, Eliza Lopamua, Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa, Estanoa Faitala-Mariner, Jessica Patea, Jetaya Faifua, Lindsay Tui, Mercedez Tauleitei-Siala, Niall Williams-Guthrie, Pauline, Pilaie-Rasable, Pihuka Berryman-Duff, Ryvrr-Lee Alo, Sarina Masaga, Shalom Sauaso, Sienna Lofipo, Simone Karpani, Taliah Fuimaono, Tarvarna Papalii

PNG Orchids

TBC

Cook Islands Moana

April Ngatupuna, Ashlee Matapo, Chantay Kiria-Ratu, Deleni Paitai-Wakely, Hannah Makira, Jazmon Tupou-Witchman, Jodeci Joseph, Kaiyah Atai, Keira Rangi, Kerehitna Matua, Kiana Takairangi, Kiarah Siauane, Lavinia Kitai, Lydia Turua-Quedley, Memory Paitai, Ngatokotoru Arakua, Paulina Morris-Ponga, Patepaeru Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu, Peal Tuitama, Porche John

Tonga XIII

Moana Courtenay, Ruby Fifita, Pani Hopoate, Fane Finau, Tatiana Finau, Jade Fonua, Simina Lokotui, Ana Lynch-Malupo, Amelia Mafi, Seli Mailangi, Martha Matele, Shannon Muru, Aliyah Nasio, Emmanita Paki, Natasha Penitani, Pauline Suli Ruka, Manilita Takapautolo, Lavinia Tauhalaliku, Kaylani Tavita, Malia Tuifua