BRAD Donald has enjoyed plenty of special moments in his coaching career since his days as a mentor at Bathurst Panthers, but come Saturday he will experience a first.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Donald will guide the Australian women’s rugby league team – the Jillaroos – in their first match in Port Moresby against the Papua New Guinea Orchids.
His history making squad will feature six debutantes and give Donald a better idea of the player depth at his disposal ahead of the World Cup.
“To have the PNG opportunity pop up whilst there are still girls playing in the New South Wales competition gives us that opportunity to get girls on the field and expose them to the next level,” Donald said.
It's more than just a game of footy for us and for them.
- Brad Donald
“I’m as excited for them as they are to pull on the jumper and play up in PNG.”
Donald is also excited that the game will showcase women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea ahead of the Orchids’ World Cup debut.
“It's more than just a game of footy for us and for them. It's us helping send that message,” Donald said.
Donald, who met Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in the lead up to the trip to Papua New Guinea, will have to cut his national squad from 40 players down to 22 prior the World Cup commencing on November 16.
