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Tonegato and Bent called into Jillaroos World Cup squad after Boyle and Upton's shock withdrawals

3rd October, 2022
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3rd October, 2022
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The Jillaroos have chosen Dragons fullback Emma Tonegato and second rower Shaylee Bent to fill the voids left by Knights superstars Millie Boyle and Tamika Upton.

Just 24 hours after being picked to head to England for the World Cup, Boyle and Upton both withdrew from the team, leaving room for the Dragons players to jump in.

Tonegato was a surprise omission from the original team announcement, with coach Brad Donald acknowledging it was hard coming up with the final 24 players, with Tonegato the toughest name to leave off the list.

“We had to make some difficult decisions in selecting this team but we have faith every player selected will do our country proud,” said Donald.

“We have a strong squad with some greats of the game with plenty of experience as well as some exciting new faces who have been in impressive form this year.

“[Tonegato] was probably the hardest decision for us to make and shows the quality of the women’s game when someone like Emma Tonegato misses out.

The Newcastle teammates advised Donald on Tuesday morning of their tough decision to pull out of the World Cup.

Upton had succumbed to a calf injury that she carried into the Grand Final win on Sunday, and Boyle decided it was too difficult to leave her newly established business, Trainer Group. Boyle is heavily involved in working with people living with disabilities and began the business this year to continue her work in that area.

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The teammates spoke to Australian coach Brad Donald on Tuesday morning and advised him of their tough decisions

“I am extremely grateful to have been selected [in] such an amazing Jillaroos squad,” said Boyle. 

“Unfortunately, due to my work commitments with [Trainer Group], it isn’t possible for me to be away for the period of time required.

“I am obviously upset I won’t be able to experience the World Cup, but will be cheering on the girls every step of the way!”

Knights coach Ron Griffiths says the club fully supports the Boyle and Upton.

“Millie is all about team first actions and putting her business and her participant’s needs ahead of her playing ambitions is the very epitome of team first,” said Griffiths.

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“Such is the nature of the women’s game – these are not full-time athletes and as a result decisions are not as straightforward as they may seem. There are many factors to consider.

“Tamika missed two games at the end of the longest year of her career to date and having managed the injury through the semi and Grand Final she needs to prioritise her recovery.

“No doubt, sitting out a World Cup is one of the hardest decisions a player will make in their career.

“Both Millie and Tamika know that as a club we support them every step of the way.”

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The Women’s Rugby League World Cup kicks off on November 2, with the Jillaroos playing the Cook Islands, France and New Zealand in their round games at LNER Community Stadium in York.

Harvey Norman Australian Jillaroos World Cup squad (in alphabetical order)

Tarryn Aiken* (Brisbane Broncos)

Kezie Apps (St George-Illawarra Dragons)

Shaylee Bent (St George-Illawarra Dragons)

Millie Boyle (Newcastle Knights)

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Samantha Bremner (Sydney Roosters)

Ali Brigginshaw (Brisbane Broncos)

Lauren Brown* (Gold Coast Titans)

Jaime Chapman* (Brisbane Broncos)

Kennedy Cherrington* (Parramatta Eels)

Shenae Ciesiolka* (Brisbane Broncos)

Yasmin Clydsdale* (Newcastle Knights)

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Keeley Davis (St George-Illawarra Dragons)

Taliah Fuimaono* (St George-Illawarra Dragons)

Tallisha Harden (Brisbane Broncos)

Caitlan Johnston* (Newcastle Knights)

Keilee Joseph* (Sydney Roosters)

Isabelle Kelly (Sydney Roosters)

Olivia Kernick* (Sydney Roosters)

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Shannon Mato* (Gold Coast Titans)

Evania Pelite* (Gold Coast Titans)

Julia Robinson (Brisbane Broncos)

Jessica Sergis (Sydney Roosters)

Simaima Taufa (Parramatta Eels)

Emma Tonegato (St George-Illawarra Dragons)

Tamika Upton* (Newcastle Knights)

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Holli Wheeler (St George Illawarra Dragons)

*Denotes Jillaroos debutant

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