The Jillaroos are facing a significant setback as star fullback Tamika Upton has been ruled out of Sunday’s Pacific Championships match against the Kiwi Ferns.
The two-time Dally M Medallist from the NRLW is currently dealing with a minor calf injury, prompting her withdrawal from the squad for this key encounter.
This development opens the door for Eels standout Abbi Church, who will now celebrate her Test debut.
Australia’s Tamika Upton during the Jillaroos’ Women’s Pacific Championships match against Fetu Samoa. Getty
“Tamika experienced some calf soreness during Tuesday’s training session, leading our performance staff to take precautionary measures to have her assessed,” Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner stated.
“It’s been a long season for Tamika, who has had previous calf issues.
She has sustained a minor strain, so it’s prudent to ensure her well-being and focus on getting her fit for next week.”
Skinner noted that while Upton’s absence is a setback, the situation creates an excellent opportunity for Church to leave a mark in her Jillaroos debut.
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“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Abbi, who has been with our campaign for the last two years,” she continued.
“She has been training hard and had an impressive season, making this moment exciting for both her and the team.”
Abbi Church of the NSW Blues is tackled. Getty
The Jillaroos are preparing to take on their most formidable rivals, the Kiwi Ferns, in yet another exhilarating chapter of the women’s rugby league’s most intense rivalry at Eden Park.
The Pacific Championships are renowned for delivering fiercely competitive matches between these teams, frequently defying expected outcomes.
Despite the emergence of other nations, the Kiwi Ferns continue to represent the most consistent challenge, being the only team to have defeated the Jillaroos in their 30-year history.
Additionally, Cowboys forward Makenzie Weale has been ruled out for the remainder of the Pacific Championships due to a pelvis injury.
She will be succeeded in the 21-player squad by Knights hooker Olivia Higgins.
The Jillaroos kicked off their tournament campaign with a resounding 60-0 victory over Fetu Samoa on Sunday, demonstrating potential despite a few basic mistakes.
Tamika Upton of the Jillaroos in action during the Women’s Pacific Championships match against Fetu Samoa. Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images
The updated squad for the Jillaroos ahead of their Pacific Championships clash with the Kiwi Ferns this Sunday at Eden Park, Auckland, scheduled for 1:35 PM (AEDT), is as follows:
1. Abbi Church 2. Julia Robinson 3. Isabelle Kelly 4. Tiana Penitani Gray 5. Jessica Sergis 6. Ali Brigginshaw 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Keeley Davis 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Kezie Apps 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Olivia Kernick 14. Quincy Dodd 15. Keilee Joseph 16. Rima Butler 17. Sarah Togatuki 18. Jakiya Whitfeld 19. Jocelyn Kelleher 20. Olivia Higgins
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