Skinner takes Jillaroos reins, Kernick returns to side for Vegas

Jarred Cross Published February 7, 2025 at 9.30am (AWST)

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Jess Skinner, pictured with PM's XIII, has replaced long-time Jillaroos coach Brad Donald as an interim appointment. (Image: AAP)

Barkindji and Ngapuhi-Ngāti Hine coach Jess Skinner will lead the Jillaroos squad, headlined by reigning Dally M medallist and duel Indigenous-Māori All Star Olivia Kernick, for their historic Test in Las Vegas next month.

The Jillaroos play England at Allegiant Stadium in the NRL's second venture to the US to start the NRL season.

UK Super league clubs Wigan and Warrington join the Raiders, Warriors, Panthers and Sharks for the quadruple-header also featuring the women's Test.

Alongside Kernick, Indigenous players Mahalia Murphy, Keilee Joseph, Quincy Dodd and Tamika Upton have been named in the squad.

In 2024, Skinner became the first woman to coach the Indigenous All Stars in their 26-4 win over the Māori All Stars in Townsville.

She replaces Brad Donald as Jillaroos head coach as an interim appointment in Vegas.

Previously involved with the First Nations Gems and NRL Indigenous Women's Academy, Skinner has also headed the Prime Minister's XIII, Knights NRL and as assistant in the national team setup.

In 2022, Skinner said "I want to show people that it doesn't matter where you come from" during her rise up the ranks.

"I come from a small community of 900 people. I live there and I'm able to represent rugby league at a high level," Skinner told ABC.

"I hope that's the visibility that people in the community space see when they look at my journey."

Donald leaves his post after nine years in the job and following controversy, including an alleged expletive used in reference to a journalist in front of the playing group last year and an investigation into Kernick's omittance from the Jillaroos side for the Pacific Championships weeks after she was crowned the NRLW's best player.

*Olivia Kernick scored for Jillaroos against France in 2022. (Image: PA/Alamy)*

In a release on Friday, the NRL limited their comments around Donald's departure.

"Jess Skinner has been appointed as interim Jillaroos Coach for the Las Vegas Test Match," the statement read.

"Skinner replaces Brad Donald, who has resigned from his role as Jillaroos Coach.

"The ARLC acknowledges and thanks Brad for his extensive efforts in coaching and elevating the Jillaroos to the position they are in as the number one ranked team in the world and World Cup champions."

Kernick has made three appearances for the Jillaroos, all in 2022 and all resulting in wins.