Jillaroos Coach Shocking Resignation Follows Pacific Championships Selection Controversy

In a surprising turn of events, Jillaroos head coach Brad Donald has resigned from his position following a selection controversy in October.

This decision comes just months after both he and the selectors faced scrutiny for omitting Dally M Medal recipient Olivia Kernick from the squad for the Pacific Championships.

The situation was further complicated by an NRL investigation into Donald for allegedly launching a foul-mouthed tirade about a journalist in front of team members.

In an unusual move, the NRL disclosed Donald’s exit via a press release issued on Friday, which also announced the squad for Australia’s upcoming historic Test against England later in the month.

The announcement simply noted, “Jess Skinner has been appointed as interim coach for the Jillaroos.”

In the statement, the ARLC expressed their gratitude to Brad, saying, “We acknowledge and thank Brad for his significant contributions to coaching and for leading the Jillaroos to their current status as the world’s top-ranked team and World Cup champions.”

Kernick, along with the broader rugby league community, expressed bewilderment over her exclusion from the squad.

The talented back-rower not only secured the NRLW premiership with the Roosters but also scored two tries in the grand final shortly before the squad announcement.

During his press conference about her omission, Donald’s reasoning raised further questions. “Liv is probably not too far off, she was on the bench for NSW this year as well and she will be the next one in if something goes wrong,” he said.

This statement left many puzzled, especially considering Kernick had started all three Origin games in the back row for the Blues the previous year, making Donald’s comments seem unfounded.

“You can’t tell me Brad Donald didn’t follow the Origin matches while being the national coach. Tell me that didn’t happen,” lamented league icon Greg Alexander on SEN radio.

“He clearly saw her in jersey 15 … how could he make that claim? If he said she started on the bench in Origin… how is that possible if she didn’t?”

Skinner is now set to lead the Jillaroos in her debut match against England in Las Vegas on March 1.

This time, Kernick has been included in the squad.

JILLAROOS SQUAD v ENGLAND

Tarryn Aitken, Kezie Apps (c), Ali Brigginshaw (c), Lauren Brown, Yasmin Clydsdale, Keeley Davis, Quincy Dodd, Jessika Elliston, Olivia Higgins, Keilee Joseph, Isabelle Kelly, Olivia Kernick, Shannon Mato, Mahalia Murphy, Tiana Penitani, Julia Robinson, Jessica Sergis, Simaima Taufa, Sarah Togatuki, Tamika Upton, Jakiya Whitfield.