Jillaroos rookie Jocelyn Kelleher is set to make her international debut after being named to partner Tarryn Aiken in the halves for Friday's showdown with Fetu Samoa.

The selection comes after the pair led the Roosters to the NRLW premiership, with Australia coach Jess Skinner backing Kelleher and Aiken to continue their successful club partnership in the IRL Rugby League World Cup.

The prime-time clash at CommBank Stadium will also see Jaime Chapman make her long-awaited return to the Test arena, while Shaylee Bent will play her first match for the Jillaroos since the 2022 World Cup.

New Zealand coach Ricky Henry has also named a talent-laden squad for his side's clash with Fiji on Sunday afternoon.

Former Jillaroos Zahara Temara and Shannon Mato will make their Kiwi Ferns debuts, while Olympic gold medallist Stacey Waaka is also set for her maiden international rugby league appearance on the wing.

Temara will partner Dally M Halfback of the Year Raecene McGregor in the halves for New Zealand, with Georgia Hale to start at hooker.

Other Round 1 selection highlights include:

Roosters backrower Jasmin Strange will make her international debut in an England side boasting multiple NRLW stars.
Bulldogs halfback Tayla Preston will wear the No.7 jersey for Wales in their clash with England.
Five-eighth Taliah Fuimaono will link up with Pauline Piliae-Rasabale in the halves for Samoa.
Former French rugby star Camille Boudaud will start at five-eighth for France when they take on Papua New Guina in Port Moresby.
Isabella Waterman will line up at centre for Fiji with Roosters young gun Taina Naividi to join her in the centres.
Prop Elsie Albert will captain Papua New Guinea as they look to launch their tournament with a win. Eels young gun Fleur Ginn will start at five-eighth for the Orchids.

Note: The Women's World Cup will be played under the same rules as the NRLW competition, with four players on the interchange and an 18th player.

Official squads, team lists and schedule for all Round 1 matches of the 2026 Women's Rugby League World Cup.

Full tournament draw HERE
Get your tickets HERE

Australia v Samoa

Friday, October 16, 8.05pm AEDT at CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Match Centre: Australian Jillaroos vs Fetu Samoa - 16-Oct-2026

PNG v France

Saturday, October 17, 1.15pm AEDT at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby

Match Centre: Papua New Guinea Orchids vs France Women - 17-Oct-2026

England v Wales

Saturday, October 17, 5.35pm AEDT at HBF Park, Perth

Match Centre: England Women vs Wales Women - 17-Oct-2026

New Zealand v Fiji

Sunday, October 18, 1.50pm AEDT at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Match Centre: Kiwi Ferns vs Fiji Women - 18-Oct-2026