MEET the coaching staff with more than three decades of playing and coaching experience hired to take the women’s national rugby league side to the next level.
In Brad Donald, Jamie Feeney and Karyn Murphy, the Jillaroos have assembled a strong line-up to defend their 2013 World Cup title next year.
Jillaroos announce Brad Donald as new head coach.Source:News Limited
Donald, a former Queensland women’s mentor, has been appointed head coach for what is shaping as a vital year for the Jillaroos.
He will be supported by retired NRL player Feeney as his assistant coach, while former Jillaroos captain Murphy will support the team in a mentoring and development role.
Donald told The Sunday Telegraph he was proud to coach the Jillaroos.
“I’m extremely humbled and words can’t describe what it means to coach a national team,” said Donald, who also oversees the development of the female game nationwide through his role as the NRL’s Participation Strategy and Projects Manager.
“The best way to sum it up was the reaction of my wife and boys, they were jumping around.
“Footy has given us everything in our life to this point.
“I was never good enough to be anywhere near that level as a player, but to get the opportunity as a coach is great.”
Donald, a former SG Ball and NYC coach at Canberra, is also fully aware of his obligation to continue the Jillaroos’ recent success.
Jillaroos Corbin McGregor and Ruan Sims.Source:News Limited
On the back of the team’s World Cup triumph in 2013, the side is in a powerful position to capitalise on increased audience, sponsorship and pathways.
“That sense of responsibility is what got me involved in the female game about six years ago,” he said.
“My first look at it was doing some scouting at Souths Logan through Canberra.
“They had a great team with the likes of Karyn Murphy and a few other Jillaroos.
“I remember looking at the game going, ‘wow, these girls can really play’.
“When I moved up to Queensland I got asked to help out a team and before I knew it I just felt this incredible sense of responsibility to help grow the women’s game.
“Female participation in all sports is at a tipping point and they are really investing, so I do feel that sense of responsibility to make sure we are doing the right thing.
“Because there are a talented bunch of girls out there keen to play.”
Jillaroos player Corbin McGregor.Source:News Limited
Donald can’t wait to join forces with his fellow coaches, Feeney and Murphy.
“They are both great additions,” he said.
“I got an opportunity to work with Jamie doing some work with the Jillaroos and he is a sensational coach.
“He thinks exactly the same way I do, as far as making sure we give the girls every opportunity to elevate the team to where it should be.
“I had Karyn as my assistant coach with Queensland and I was also fortunate to have coached her for a few years.
“She will be a great mentor for the girls — they all look up her and her footy knowledge is outstanding.”
A squad of 30 current and up-and-coming Jillaroos players will assemble on the Gold Coast this week for a training camp, ahead of their first assignment in Auckland as part of the 2017 Auckland Nines in February.
Originally published as Coach panel passes muster for Jillaroos
