Jillaroos opt for three captains

QUEENSLAND veterans Renae Kunst and Steph Hancock have been handed World Cup captaincy honours, as the duo prepare to hang up their boots at the end of the year.

The retiring pair will join Ruan Sims in leading Australia throughout the upcoming tournament, which will be Kunst and Hancock’s last time in the green and gold.

Coach Brad Donald revealed his leadership line-up for the World Cup one week out from the Jillaroos’ first game against the Cook Islands.

It is understood he opted to have three captains due to the heavy workload Australia face, including four games in 11 days if they make the semi-finals, plus the fact they are carrying 15 World Cup debutants.

Kunst, who was part of the team that won the World Cup in 2013, said being named a skipper came as a shock but thought three heads were better than one.

“I’m truly honoured,” she said. “We’re all on the same page. We’ve got a little bit of a slogan – who would you rather stand behind, one person or three?”

The Jillaroos also meet England and Canada in their pool matches in Sydney.