Powerhouse forward Millie Boyle is set to become a dual international after her selection in the Australian rugby league squad to face New Zealand in Wollongong next month.
The daughter of former Canberra Raider David Boyle, the 21-year-old has represented Australia in rugby union since 2017.
She was included as one of six debutants for the Test match, as well as in the inaugural Nines squad for the World Cup tournament in Sydney later this month.
Australia are one of four women’s teams vying for the title, alongside New Zealand, England and Papua New Guinea.
Boyle was part of the Brisbane side who thumped St George Illawarra in the NRLW grand final on Sunday night.
“She’s fantastic, obviously from great pedigree,” said Jillaroos coach Brad Donald, who unveiled his 17-woman squad on Monday.
“Millie’s played a bit of rugby sevens and the 15s game as well … to see her in the team is a credit to the sort of athlete she is.
“There were almost 30 new players playing the NRLW in its second year so it’s having a great effect on aspirational young ladies wanting to come across to our game.”
Dragons trio Dally M medalist Jess Sergis, Botille Vette-Welsh and Shakiah Tungai are also in line to make their international debut while Sydney Roosters five-eighth Kirra Dibb is set to partner Broncos captain Ali Brigginshaw in the halves for the first time.
There were some notable omissions from last year’s Jillaroos team including Broncos players Tazmin Gray, Steph Hancock and Julia Robinson.
With the World Cup looming in 2021, Donald said he had to start grooming a squad.
“We sort of made it clear last year we’d have a clear focus on the next World Cup in 2021 because we have to take that group through with us,” he said.
“We had to come up with a side that reflected the young talent coming through with an eye to the World Cup whilst also showing some loyalty to those players that have been there.
“It’s definitely been difficult “
Australia: Kezie Apps (Dragons), Millie Boyle (Broncos), Annette Brander (Broncos), Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos), Brittany Breayley (Dragons), Keeley Davis (Dragons), Kirra Dibb (Roosters), Tallisha Harden (Roosters), Isabelle Kelly (Roosters), Chelsea Lenarduzzi (Broncos), Corban McGregor (Roosters), Jess Sergis (Dragons), Hannah Southwell (Roosters), Simaima Taufa (Roosters), Shakiah Tungai (Dragons), Botille Vette-Welsh (Dragons), Holli Wheeler (Dragons).
Australia Nines: Kezie Apps (Dragons), Shaylee Bent (Dragons), Millie Boyle (Broncos), Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos), Brittany Breayley (Dragons), Keeley Davis (Dragons), Kirra Dibb (Roosters), Tallisha Harden (Roosters), Isabelle Kelly (Roosters), Corban McGregor (Roosters), Tiana Penitani (Dragons), Julia Robinson (Broncos), Jess Sergis (Dragons), Hannah Southwell (Roosters), Shakiah Tungai (Dragons), Tamike Upton (Broncos), Botille Vette-Welsh (Dragons).
