Donald eyes a repeat
UNDEFEATED Jillaroos coach Brad Donald has signed on to the top job for another three years as he continues to drive Australia’s dominance in women’s rugby league.
The Gold Coast-based former women’s Queensland coach will take the Jillaroos through to their 2021 World Cup defence with his new three-year deal, after guiding them to victory last year.
Donald, who took over the reins in November 2016, has not yet experienced a loss as the Australian coach, with the Jillaroos withstanding many tests from their greatest rivals in the Kiwi Ferns over the past two seasons.
His success with the Jillaroos at last year’s World Cup was also the catalyst for the introduction of this year’s inaugural NRLW season, with the international game the pinnacle of women’s rugby league.
For Donald, it is now crucial he begins preparations for the 2021 World Cup to continue Australia’s success.
“We need more of a focus on breaking the actual Jillaroos campaigns into World Cup campaigns, into four-year blocks,” Donald said of his re-signing.
“It’s the greatest prize in the game, the World Cup. You only get the opportunity every four years to play against all those other nations.
“To be able to have that extra three years and actually take the team forward is a great thing.”
Donald, who also played a behind-the-scenes role in establishing the NRLW, said continued success at the top level would help the women’s game blossom in other ways.
He said while he wanted to keep the Jillaroos as the No. 1 side, he also knew himself and the players had a responsibility to set an example.
“I’ve been around the women’s game for seven or eight years and I realised really quickly I wasn’t just the coach of the Jillaroos but a facilitator of the movement in the sport,” he said.
“We were able to help elevate the game last year, get more people to watch it, bring sponsors along and it helped start the NRLW, no doubt.
“The Jillaroos have a big say in how the game is grown.”