Star’s shock defection reveal after stunning Australian debut
Jocelyn Kelleher is a three time NRLW premiership player, a two-time women’s State of Origin series winner, and now, finally, a Jillaroo.
In arguably the most long-awaited international debut in the women’s game, Kelleher was sensational. She kicked six from seven with the boot, set up two tries and even made a line break to win player of the match honours in the Jillaroos’ 40-0 win over Samoa.
Jocelyn Kelleher made her long-awaited Jillaroos debut against Samoa. NRL Photos
But it nearly didn't happen.
Having spent years waiting for her chance in the green and gold, Kelleher said she considered switching allegiance in order to finally make her international debut.
“England is half my heritage, it’s where my mum was born, where she grew up, so yes, it was a consideration,” she told media including nine.com.au on Friday night.
"But I've worked so hard and Australia is where I'm born, so I wanted to play for Australia at this World Cup."
The 26-year-old said she was "hopeful" she might one day still get the chance to represent the other side of her heritage.
Ali Brigginshaw had a mortgage on a Jillaroos halves role for over a decade. She retired from the NRLW this season after the Broncos’ grand final loss to the Roosters, but had been hoping for a Jillaroos swansong at his home World Cup, but was overlooked in favour of Kelleher.
"Ali's a great player and I did think she'd be here, but at the end of the day, I've worked so hard this year and I wasn't ready to give up on my dream to play for Australia," she said.
"I'm really glad I didn't."
Kelleher revealed Brigginshaw sent her a good-luck message in the lead up to the match.
"It was really nice to see that message, and it gave me a lot of confidence," she said.
Kelleher kicked six from seven with the boot. NRL Photos
"She's a pioneer of the game, she's a legend … she's done so much for the women's game.
"It's been great to watch her growing up and I've just tried to learn off her, especially last year being in camp."
Making Kelleher’s debut easier was doing it alongside her Roosters halves partner Tarryn Aiken.
She said camp had been “like a big sleepover every night”.
"Some of these girls are my best friends, so getting to do this with them is pretty good.
"Having (Aiken) in the halves with me has made my journey really easy … we sit at lunch, we sit at dinner, and we just laugh all the time."
Despite having had as much success as she has, Kelleher said Friday night’s debut was arguably the highlight of her career to-date.
Kelleher and Aiken continued their NRLW Premiership-winning combination into the Jillaroos team. Getty Images
"It was surreal, it's been a dream of mine and I got to live it out today … I've been smiling all week.
"Today would have to be up there with my best moment in rugby league. I'm speechless. I can't wait for the rest of (the World Cup)."
Kelleher and the rest of the Jillaroos squad will travel to Perth this week to take on England next Saturday.
