Testing trio in Aussie set-up

QUEENSLAND Maroons trio Amber Pilley, Steph Mooka and Chelsea Lenarduzzi have continued their stunning rise to success after being named in the Jillaroos squad to train on the Gold Coast this weekend.

The three debutants featured in this year’s State of Origin clash at North Sydney Oval and join the country’s best female talent, including Dally M winner Brittany Breayley, Maroons captain Ali Brigginshaw and NRLW star Kezie Apps, in Jillaroos camp.

Pilley and Lenarduzzi both played in Burleigh’s SEQW grand final loss to West Brisbane last weekend.

The training camp marks the start of a busy women’s rugby league schedule in the coming months with the NRLW teams to officially begin their month-long training next week.

Pilley, who returns to the Broncos again this season, said this weekend’s training would help prepare her for the coming months.

“It came as a surprise to be picked into the (Jillaroos) side,” Pilley said.

“I’m not taking anything for granted at the moment because there’s so many other young girls coming through who want to take your spot.

“We’ve got 10 of us Broncos girls here at camp, so it’s a chance to train with each other before we get into club training.

“We know there’s a lot of people who want to be doing what we’re doing, so we just have to be the best we can be.”

Jillaroos coach Brad Donald

said there had been a wealth of talent to pick from in women’s rugby league around the country.

“We’ve got the Nines tournament, a Prime Minister’s XIII game and a Test Match before the end of October, as well as the second NRL Holden Women’s Premiership through September and into October, so there’s a lot of women’s rugby league to look forward to,” Donald said.

“The next few days is about setting our goals as a team and focusing on the tasks ahead of us this year and beyond.

“I’m really excited to be welcoming some new faces into the Jillaroos camp, alongside current Australian representatives.

“Each player has earned their opportunity on and off the field to be part of the national squad.”