‘Jillaroos Captain Ali Brigginshaw Stands Up for Ex-Coach Brad Donald’s Legacy Following His Sudden Resignation: “He Valued the Jersey”‘

Ali Brigginshaw has come forward to support former Jillaroos coach Brad Donald after his abrupt exit from the national team.

Donald unexpectedly stepped down from his position earlier this month, bringing his eight-year tenure to a sudden close.

The unusual announcement of his resignation came just weeks before the Jillaroos’ debut in Las Vegas, with few details shared regarding the reasons behind his departure.

As the longest-serving and most successful coach in the Jillaroos’ history, Donald guided the team to consecutive World Cup victories.

He also spearheaded the side during a remarkable seven-year unbeaten streak and played a crucial role in the growth of the NRLW.

However, Donald’s contributions and dedication to the women’s game were barely acknowledged in the official statement, and no press conference was convened to clarify the announcement.

The unusual circumstances surrounding the resignation have led many of Donald’s former players to come forward in defence of his character.

“It’s really sad to see him leave. I have so many wonderful memories; some of the best moments of my rugby league career were shared with Brad Donald,” stated Jillaroos captain Brigginshaw.

“What I really admired about Brad was his genuine care for the team, and we consistently spoke about ensuring that the Jillaroos left behind a legacy in every place we played,” she added.

“He has never used women’s rugby to further his ambitions in the men’s arena.

“He was truly a game changer in the women’s sector. He aimed to transform the game in every possible way, confronting numerous challenges to ensure that women’s rugby was positioned for success.”

“I am confident that he will persist in that mission.”

Brigginshaw’s tribute comes after a turbulent period for Donald, having faced scrutiny over the exclusion of Olivia Kernick from the Pacific Championships squad and a reported outburst directed at a journalist.

Former captain Sam Bremner added her voice to the chorus of respect for Donald, highlighting the support he provided during her return to the sport after having children.

“He was my biggest supporter, especially when I returned after becoming a mother,” she commented.

“(He) gave me the freedom to pursue what I truly wanted to achieve, for which I will be eternally thankful.

“It’s important to remember that during his early tenure with the Jillaroos, very few people were aware of us or watching our games; we weren’t even televised back then.

“He personally opened doors for us, enabling the opportunities we have today.”

The Jillaroos are set to face England in a landmark Test match on March 1 in Las Vegas.