Dally M winner Kernick dropped from Australian squad
By SCOTT BAILEY
Australia’s selectors have made the shock call to drop Sydney Roosters Indigenous star Olivia Kernick from their Test squad, despite her winning the NRLW’s Dally M Medal.
Jillaroos coach Brad Donald named his 21-woman squad for the Pacific Championships on Monday, with Kernick’s omission by far the biggest shock.
The Sydney Roosters second-rower claimed her maiden Dally M Medal last week, and was close to best on field in her club’s 32-28 grand-final win over Cronulla on Sunday.
But that somehow did not help her cause at the selection table, dropped from the Australian side after their last-start loss to New Zealand last year.
Instead, Donald has opted to go with veteran Kezie Apps on return from a season-ending knee injury and NSW State of Origin teammate Yasmin Clydsdale.
Mahalia Murphy was also preferred over Kernick for her versatility, after featuring in one Test for the Jillaroos in 2015 and playing second row at Parramatta this year.
“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 went down,” Donald said.
“When you’ve got the captain in your position in Kezie Apps, it’s quite difficult. Then the versatility (of) Mahalia as well.
“There is some change … we lost our first game in nine years last year against (New Zealand).
“I’ve spoken to all of the incumbents, there are five who didn’t make the squad and they are all very disappointed and know what they have to work on.”
AUSTRALIA SQUAD FOR WOMEN’S PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
Kezie Apps (capt), Ali Brigginshaw (capt), Tarryn Aiken, Lauren Brown, Abbi Church, Yasmin Clydsdale, Quincy Dodd, Millie Elliott, Jessika Elliston, Olivia Higgins, Keilee Joseph, Isabelle Kelly, Shannon Mato, Mahalia Murphy, Tiana Penitani, Julia Robinson, Simaima Taufa, Jess Sergis, Sarah Togatuki, Tamika Upton, Jakiya Whitfeld.