Jillaroos drop Roosters premiership winner Kelleher before World Cup final
Jocelyn Kelleher, who started three of four tournament matches, replaced by five-eighth Jesse Southwell.
Coach Jess Skinner has made a bold selection call with the Women's World Cup final against New Zealand just days away. Jocelyn Kelleher, a Sydney Roosters premiership winner who played in three of the four matches Australia won during the tournament, has been dropped to the 21-jersey bench.
Jesse Southwell comes in at five-eighth alongside halfback Tarryn Aiken. Southwell starred in the record-breaking 124-6 win over Wales, scoring 44 points with a try and 20 goals from 21 attempts.
She was also central to NSW's 3-0 State of Origin series win over Queensland. The Kiwi Ferns have named an unchanged 17 from their semi-final win over Samoa.
The final takes place Sunday at Suncorp Stadium.
- 44 points (try and 20 goals from 21)
- Southwell's Wales haul
- 3 of 4
- Kelleher's tournament matches
- 124-6
- Wales scoreline
- Suncorp Stadium
- Venue
Why it mattersThe selection shift reveals the coach's faith in Southwell's recent form over experience, directly affecting Australia's tactics and chances in a World Cup final.
AustraliaThe Women's World Cup final on Sunday is a major event for Australian rugby league; the halves selection shapes Australia's attacking structure and winning chances.
