Superstar's injury blow flips Jillaroos' rivalry clash with Kiwi Ferns as replacement called up
Updated . First published at
Jillaroos have suffered a huge blow with star fullback Tamika Upton ruled out of Sunday's Pacific Championships clash against the Kiwi Ferns.
The two-time NRLW Dally M Medallist is dealing with a minor calf injury and has been withdrawn from the squad for the crucial clash.
Upton's withdrawal creates an opportunity for Eels star Abbi Church, who will now make her Test debut.
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Australia's Tamika Upton during the Jillaroos' Women's Pacific Championships match against Fetu Samoa. Getty
"Tamika pulled up on Tuesday's training with calf soreness, so our performance staff just took some precautionary actions and wanted to get that checked out," Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner said in a statement.
"It's been a really long season for Tamika, and she has had issues with the calf previously.
"She's got a minor strain, so it's best that we look after her and work towards getting her back for next week."
Skinner added that while Upton's withdrawal is a loss, the forced change presents a great opportunity for Church to make a strong impression in her Jillaroos debut.
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"It's a great opportunity for Abbi to make a debut, someone who's been part of the campaign over the last two years," she said.
"She's been working really hard, has had a great season as well, so it's another opportunity for a debutant, which is exciting for Abbi and the team."
Abbi Church of the NSW Blues is tackled. Getty
The Jillaroos are set to meet their biggest rivals, the Kiwi Ferns, in the latest chapter of the women's game's fiercest rivalry at Eden Park.
The Pacific Championships consistently deliver intensely contested matches between the rivals, often defying formlines.
Even with the rise of other nations, the Kiwi Ferns remain the most consistent challenge, as they are the only team to have beaten the Jillaroos in the team's 30-year history.
In a further squad change, Cowboys forward Makenzie Weale has been ruled out of the remainder of the Pacific Championships after sustaining a pelvis injury.
She will be replaced in the 21-player squad by Knights hooker Olivia Higgins.
The Jillaroos secured a dominant 60-0 win over Fetu Samoa on Sunday, igniting their tournament campaign despite making several simple errors.
Tamika Upton of the Jillaroos in action during the Women's Pacific Championships match against Fetu Samoa. Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images
The updated Jillaroos squad for Sunday's Pacific Championships clash with the Kiwi Ferns at Eden Park, Auckland at 1.35pm (AEDT) is below:
1. Abbi Church 2. Julia Robinson 3. Isabelle Kelly 4. Tiana Penitani Gray 5. Jessica Sergis 6. Ali Brigginshaw 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Keeley Davis 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Kezie Apps 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Olivia Kernick 14. Quincy Dodd 15. Keilee Joseph 16. Rima Butler 17. Sarah Togatuki 18. Jakiya Whitfeld 19. Jocelyn Kelleher 20. Olivia Higgins
