QUEENSLAND young gun Zahara Temara is in the mix to make her Jillaroos debut, after she was named as part of the Australian squad for next week’s Test.
On Wednesday coach Brad Donald will reveal a 25-woman squad in preparation for next Friday’s showdown with the Kiwi Ferns.
Twelve Queenslanders are set to be named in the squad, including Temara, who is one of the stars of Burleigh’s women’s team.
Temara made her debut for the Women’s All Stars side this February and is now also one step closer to earning her first Jillaroos jersey.
FULL SQUADS: Round 9 NRL teams
Zahara Temara made her All Stars debut this year. Picture: Brett CostelloSource:News Corp Australia
Fellow Queenslander, veteran Steph Hancock, is also in contention to make her comeback to the Australian side after missing last year’s Test.
Hancock had finger surgery last year and has also been battling some knee issues, but is expected to be fine for next week’s clash if she is named in the final team.
With the World Cup looming at the end of the year, Donald said the side will be looking to continue their recent domination of New Zealand, after they defeated the Kiwis at the Nines tournament in February.
Queensland women’s State of Origin captain Steph Hancock (right). Photo: Regi VargheseSource:News Corp Australia
“The Test match next week looms as a significant occasion for our team,” Donald said.
“Our women had a momentous win against the Ferns in Auckland at the start of this year as part of the Nines tournament.
“The Test match next week however is entirely different and we will need to be at our peak against what will no doubt be a New Zealand outfit out to make amends.”
The Jillaroos squad will go into camp on the Gold Coast on Thursday before the final team is named on Sunday.
The match against the Ferns is going to be played as part of a double-header in Canberra on May 5, along with the Kangaroos and Kiwis ANZAC Test.
Originally published as Jillaroos to pick Queensland dozen
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