NRLW star Olivia Kernick opens up on Jillaroos snub

Roosters superstar Olivia Kernick was disappointed to be dumped from the Jillaroos squad. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

NRLW superstar Olivia Kernick has revealed her disappointment at being axed from the Jillaroos, in her first comments since Australia's squad announcement for the Pacific Championships.

Kernick had been out celebrating the Roosters' premiership victory on Monday when she learned Jillaroos coach Brad Donald had omitted her from his 21-player squad for the series that begins next week.

She had appeared a lock for selection, having become the first second-rower to win the NRLW's Dally M Medal, before scoring the first and decisive tries of Sunday's grand final win over Cronulla.

Kernick was also among NSW's best in the inaugural three-match State of Origin series this year, and played for Australia in last year's post-season Pacific Championships.

But this time around Donald preferred Kezie Apps, Yasmine Clydsdale and Mahalia Murphy as second-row options for the Test campaign that begins against Papua New Guinea on October 18.

Apps spent most of the NRLW season sidelined with a knee injury, though she will return to the field for the Prime Minister's XIII match against PNG on Sunday, while Murphy has not played for Australia since 2015.

Kernick described premiership celebrations as "bittersweet" after learning of her omission.

"You know what? It was sad and I know what I need to work on," she said on the Upfront podcast hosted by Roosters teammates Millie Elliott and Keeley Davis.

"I was with my teammates and I actually enjoyed the rest of the day. I had a good time.

"Disappointed for myself, but so happy for the girls and can't wait to cheer them on. Obviously would've loved to have been in there with you girls."

Reports emerged on Wednesday that the Australian Rugby League Commission would investigate the reasoning for Kernick's omission from the team, given her stellar season.

On Monday, Donald said the 23-year-old was "not too far off" selection and that the loss to New Zealand in last year's Pacific Championships final had factored into his decision to overlook five incumbent players.

He said Kernick would be the next player called into the squad should injury strike.

Roosters teammate Elliott said she was disappointed her return to the Jillaroos had coincided with the axing of Kernick and Davis from the team.

"I'm a one-hit wonder, I played one game back in 2019. It's my first time back in the team, obviously would've loved to be in there with you girls," she said.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store