RAYMOND Terrace sporting legend Olivia Higgins is chasing more championship glory with the Australian Jillaroos at the prestigious Rugby League World Cup.
The skilful Newcastle Knights and NSW Origin hooker was named in a powerful Jillaroos’ 23-player squad to contest the major international sporting event on home soil.
Higgins joins a new-look Australian squad captained by Isabelle Kelly and will share the hooking duties alongside Cronulla Sharks rake Quincy Dodd.
Olivia’s selection in the green and gold marks an emotional career milestone for the 34-year-old number nine who is considering retirement next season.
The top-ranked Jillaroos begin their title defence this Friday in the opening World Cup Pool game against Fetu Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.
Despite only starting rugby league at age 27, Higgins has built a fine career as a three-time NRLW premiership winner with the Roosters and Knights.
She made her international debut for the Jillaroos during the 2024 Pacific Championships and has now cemented her spot for a home World Cup campaign.
Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner will invite Broncos, Queensland and Australian legend Ali Brigginshaw to be around the 2026 World Cup squad despite the 36-year-old being overlooked when the line-up was announced.
Brigginshaw, a former Golden Boot winner, has played 27 Tests since making her debut in 2011, including winning three World Cups in 2013, 2017 and 2022.
A veteran of 20 Tests and two World Cup triumphs, Kelly has been promoted to Jillaroos captain after leading the Roosters to a 30-6 Grand Final victory over the Broncos.
There are five changes in the Jillaroos squad from the side that won last year’s Pacific Championships, with eight Roosters honoured in recognition of their undefeated season and third NRLW title.
The 2026 Jillaroos World Cup squad: Isabelle Kelly (captain, Roosters), Tarryn Aiken (Roosters), Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers), Shaylee Bent (Wests Tigers), Abbi Church (Eels), Jaime Chapman (Titans), Quincy Dodd (Sharks), Millie Elliott (Roosters), Olivia Higgins (Knights), Ellie Johnston (Sharks), Keilee Joseph (Eels), Jocelyn Kelleher (Roosters), Olivia Kernick (Roosters), Keeley Nizza (Roosters), Sariah Paki (Roosters), Tiana Penitani Gray (Sharks), Julia Robinson (Broncos), Jessica Sergis (Roosters), Jesse Southwell (Broncos), Simaima Taufa (Raiders), Sarah Togatuki (Wests Tigers), Tamika Upton (Broncos), Makenzie Weale (Cowboys). Coach: Jess Skinner.
By Chris KARAS
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