FORMER Bathurst Panther Brad Donald will be part of rugby league history later this month when the Australian women’s side he coaches plays its first match in Papua New Guinea.
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The Jillaroos will line up against the Papua New Guinea Orchids in Port Moresby on September 23.
The match will help Donald prepare his side for the rapidly approaching World Cup, a tournament the Orchids will also participate in.
“This match is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the female game on the international stage. I’m really happy with the group we’ve selected to head across to Papua New Guinea and create a bit of history,” Donald, who both played and coached during his involvement with Group 10, said.
“It’s a really good mix of players from right across the country, so to have them come together for a week so close to the World Cup is great for our preparations for later in the year.
“A fair few from this squad have probably yet to experience playing in front of a packed crowd, let alone away from home and against a tough opponent like the PNG Orchids, so I'm eager to see how everyone handles themselves on the day.”
Donald is not the only the former Group 10 player who will make history with the Jillaroos as his squad includes Orange Hawks graduate Vanessa Foliaki.
The second rower made her international debut in a one-off Test against the Kiwi Ferns in 2014 and is renowned for her leg speed and power.
The Jillaroos will also be involved in a series of events, community visits and coaching clinics.
