Interim Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner has paid tribute to her predecessor Brad Donald but has made it clear that she wants the full-time role going forward as she prepares to lead the women’s Indigenous side in Saturday’s All Stars clash.
It was announced earlier this month that she would replace Donald, who stood down as Jillaroos coach following reports he allegedly made a disparaging comment about a journalist in front of players during last year’s Pacific Championships.
Donald guided Australia to back-to-back World Cup victories in 2017 and 2022, and at one stage took the Jillaroos on a seven-year unbeaten run before his sole loss to New Zealand in 2023.
Skinner will lead the Jillaroos in their Test against England in Las Vegas next month and said she “absolutely” wanted to make it permanent heading into next year’s World Cup.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be the interim and being in the space of the Jillaroos jersey since 2018, I am grateful for the opportunity, and what comes after it will be,” she said.
“But I would obviously love to have the role going forward.
“There is obviously a process with the Australian (Rugby League) Commission and what that looks like, but also Brad Donald has done a fantastic job with the program, he has been a great custodian of the jersey. He has left a platform for the program to keep going, he has been a massive supporter and will continue to be one.”
Skinner has the backing of Jillaroos players having served a lengthy apprenticeship with the Knights in the NRLW, the Jillaroos, the Prime Minister’s XIII and as the first woman to coach the women’s Indigenous side.
It’s a role she cherishes for what it means on and off the field, and it’s given her crucial experience that will help her lead the national side if she gets the nod.
“The All Stars program is what gave me my opportunity,” she said.
“I have been there (the Australian team) for a bit, and there is a lot that goes into the program. It’s not just what you see in Pacific Champs or at a World Cup, it’s all year round.
“There are all the programs we do in pathways under the banner of the Jillaroos and the NRL. I’m fully equipped and prepped and planned.
“But this space here is what is important to me right now and making sure we have a real strong spotlight on the All Stars week.
“I have no doubt I can do that job, there is no lack of confidence there.”
Jillaroos hooker and Indigenous All Star Quincy Dodd has backed Skinner to succeed having worked closely with her over the past couple of years.
“I’m really proud of Jess, I have obviously been with her for a few years now, she has come a long way and it’s only going up for her right now,” she said.
“She has really made this All Stars camp so memorable and special. That’s a big credit to her and us for buying in as well. She has amazing staff with her as well. She has come a long way, and I’m really excited to see what she can do in the future.”
Warriors NRLW coach Ron Griffiths has spoken in the past about how he wants to see more Indigenous representation at the top level. The premiership-winning coach has been linked with the Australian job but says they’ve already found the perfect person.
“She’s a trailblazer,” he said.
“Someone asked me earlier on radio if I was interested in the Australian job. I said ‘certainly’, but they’ve got the right person.
“Everyone is proud of Jess, whether you are a Torres Strait Islander, Anglo Saxon or Maori, everyone should be proud of what she has achieved. What she has done in the game, she elevates the women in the game, the players.
“She has a really great standing and I have no doubt she will have long-term success as a coach.”
Discussion about this post