Opinion
The Jillaroos have started their 2021 Rugby League World Cup title defence with a dominant 74-0 win over the Cook Islands.
The Jillaroos were ruthless in every aspect, missing just four tackles during the game and making 2000 metres compared to just 690 metres made by the Cook Islands.
In the final five minutes of the game, the Cook Islands had several try-scoring opportunities close to the Jillaroos line, but the Jillaroos defence was relentless, keeping the Cook Islands scoreless.
There were several standout performances, including from Parramatta Eels captain Simaima Taufa, who ran for over 200 metres, and from Newcastle Knights premiership winner Caitlan Johnston, who ran for 177 metres in just 52 minutes.
But it was player of the match Samantha Bremner who truly stole the show, scoring four tries and running 206 metres. These four tries now make Bremner the Jillaroos’ all-time leading try scorer, overtaking veteran Steph Hancock.
Bremner’s story is one of absolute commitment and drive. After making her debut in the 2013 RLWC at age 21, Bremner was poised to play a key role in the Jillaroos 2017 title defence. Cruelly, just two days before the start of the tournament she broke her leg, ruling her out. What followed was a string of injuries which meant that Bremner’s time in the green and gold jersey has been limited.
Since the 2017 tournament Bremner has had the chance to play several seasons in the NRLW and also had two children. After giving birth to daughter Lakey just one year ago, Bremner returned to the NRLW this year for the Sydney Roosters.
After giving birth to her second child, many wondered how Bremner would return to elite rugby league, but she put any doubt to rest early.
In a position that would be hotly contested ahead of this RLWC with names like Botille Vette-Welsh, Corban Baxter, Emma Tonegato and Tamika Upton all in the mix, Bremner was one of the Roosters’ best players in NRLW 2022 season and was a no-brainer selection for Jillaroos coach Brad Donald.
(Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
While on tour with the Jillaroos, Lakey has celebrated her first birthday, with Bremner appearing for cake over FaceTime.
“I took some time to think about my purpose, and the main two are my two teams that have been driving me to get back on the field,” said Bremner.
“My number one team is my team at home, my family, and my number two team is the Jillaroos, so I thought about all that.
“I wanted to take the field, I really did, and I think time away from the game has given me appreciation for the game. I had such pride in my heart running out onto the field, so I took every single moment in, and I’m so happy I can go to sleep knowing I’ve done what I set out to do.”
In terms of competition for selection, Donald and his players credited the introduction of the NRL Women’s premiership for the continued strength in the women’s game and for the development of several players in this Jillaroos squad.
“In terms of the competition for positions, that is a credit to how strong women’s rugby league is in Australia at the moment,” said Bremner.
“I’m privileged to be part of that competition and it has made me a better person.
“Brad has told us that pressure equals diamonds, and we have all taken that on. We all knew if you didn’t take on the pressure, there was no chance of you becoming a diamond.”
Ahead of the Jillaroos’ next game against France on 6 November, changes are expected to the team which was named for the opening match against the Cook Islands. It is likely that Kennedy Cherrington, Jamie Chapman and Jess Sergis will start, with Emma Tonegato potentially coming into the 17.
Due to the compression of the women’s tournament with just four days between matches, Donald has been strategic in the way he is managing his squad.
“We tried to start that squad management before our first game with the players that were rested, the players that were picked and the minutes that we gave to players like Kennedy and the players that have been around like Sammy,” said Donald.
“We have a plan that will unravel over the next few days to make sure everyone’s gas tank is empty at the end of the tournament and that we give our best.”
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