Grand final loss ends Brigginshaw's World Cup hopes
Ali Brigginshaw, 36, was overlooked for the Jillaroos side less than 24 hours after her final NRLW game for Brisbane.
Ali Brigginshaw will not get to finish her career in green and gold. The retiring Brisbane playmaker, 36, was left out of coach Jess Skinner's Jillaroos side on Monday, the day after her last NRLW game ended in a grand final loss to Sydney Roosters.
Skinner said Brigginshaw was upset when told the news. The 17-year international veteran has won three World Cups, been player of the match twice, and claimed a Golden Boot, making her one of the game's greatest.
Skinner acknowledged the difficulty of the call: she described it as one of the hardest phone calls she has made as a coach. Instead, centre Isabelle Kelly will captain Australia, with both Roosters halves Tarryn Aiken and Jocelyn Kelleher named ahead of Brigginshaw.
The Jillaroos open their group stage against Samoa on Friday.
- 36 years old
- Brigginshaw's age
- 17 years
- International career
- 3
- World Cups won
- 1 day after grand final
- Timing of squad announcement
Why it mattersA player of Brigginshaw's stature being dropped raises questions about selection timing and criteria, just days before a World Cup begins.
AustraliaAustralian rugby league fans will debate whether the snub is fair, and whether the timing makes sense for a player of her legacy.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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