Logan’s Tallisha Harden and Keilee Joseph are attempting to reach a fourth consecutive World Cup final with the Jillaroos.
But before the Old Trafford dream, they will on Tuesday morning tackle a semi-final against Papua New Guinea.
The Jillaroos are looking to advance to the decider, where they would await the winner of the second semi-final between England and New Zealand.
Coach Brad Donald has called upon local stars Harden and Joseph as well as five other new faces who were rested from Thursday night’s match against the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns.
Mr Donald said the team has recovered well from the New Zealand match and he is looking forward to the next challenge against Papua New Guinea.
“We’ll be looking for some improvements in our attack but we are really happy with how the team has defended the past three games,” Mr Donald said.
“We’ve got a couple of new combinations which is important for preparing the team for all scenarios.
“I’ve said right from the beginning of this tournament it will take the contribution of 24 players to win it and this team is proof of that philosophy.”
In the rounds, the Jillaroos took on Cook Islands and France before stealing an epic win over New Zealand.
The side showed character when they ground out a hard-fought 10-8 win over the Kiwi Ferns to complete their Rugby League World Cup pool fixtures in Yorkshire.
After beating Cook Islands 74-0 nearly two weeks ago, Joseph made her debut in the side’s match against France, where the team set a new record by thrashing France 92-0. Skipper, Harden was one of the scorers.
Last Monday, the captain took to Instagram to thank her supporters, writing: “Hope we made our families, friends and communities proud tonight – everything we do is for you! Absolutely love my mates and love being a Jillaroo!”
Councillor Teresa Lane also took to social media to wish the local stars good luck ahead of the championships.
“We as a family are all super proud of Tallisha’s efforts and that of her partner Shelly Long who is also playing in the Rugby League World Cup for PNG.
“From our lounge in 4114 to the shores of Boyne Island, from SA’s Kangaroo Island to the burbs of Townsville, from the mens shed in Cairns to the many Islands of the Torres Strait we will all be cheering Tallisha and Keilie on,” Cr Lane wrote.
