The man who first put his coaching skills to the test guiding an under 13s Bathurst Panthers outfit is now coach of the Australian women’s team, the Jillaroos.

That team will head into this year’s World Cup as the defending champions and though they will face stiff opposition, Donald has no intentions of watching another nation lift the trophy.

From the squad of 45 he originally assembled, Donald has named a final 24 who will being their campaign on November 16.

It includes Parkes’ Talesha Quinn and former Orange Hawk Vanessa Foliaki.

“It seems a long time since we first sat down as a group and discussed what we wanted to achieve in 2017,” Donald, who also coached at Orange CYMS during his involvement with Group 10, said.

“Every member of the Jillaroos has had the opportunity to press for selection across training camps and matches this year and there is no doubt that as an extended team, we are closer than we have ever been and committed to our goal of retaining the World Cup.

“Pleasingly, we have ticked off several objectives, but retaining the World Cup remains at the top of the list.

“With the tournament being staged in our home country, we will be drawing on local support and our intention is to complete the year with a World Cup win.”

After meeting the Cook Islands in their opening pool match the Jillaroos will face England and Canada in their other pool matches.