England more fiery than the Kiwis, warns Brigginshaw

Daftar Isi

Ali Brigginshaw has warned Australia that England will be a more aggressive opponent than traditional rivals New Zealand in the one-off Test match in Las Vegas.

The Jillaroos are set to face England for just the fourth time in Test match history, and for the first time since the NRLW brought about significant improvements to women's rugby league in Australia.

Tamika Upton, Keeley Davis and Yasmin Clydsdale are among the key Australian players who haven't faced the English, having made their Jillaroos debuts since the last test in 2017.

Brigginshaw has played in two of the past three matches, and recalls a game from the 2013 World Cup as being particularly intense, with two English players being sent off.

Fairfax Media understands the pair were accused of kicking Jillaroos players in tackles.

It's pretty intense, it's probably more intense than when we play the Kiwis. There's a bit of a rivalry there when it comes to Australia versus England, but I really enjoy it.

Brigginshaw reckoned playing in different domestic competitions added to the contest.

When the sides last met at the 2017 World Cup, the English team consisted entirely of players who'd only just wrapped up playing in the inaugural Women's Super League season.

Meanwhile, the NRL Women's competition was on the verge of making its first season public in 2018.

"I reckon they've got the Super League over there, so they probably think their comp is a fair dinkum notch above ours," Brigginshaw said.

It's just extremely passionate about competitiveness and who's the better nation.

Apart from Indigenous All Stars players Quincy Dodd, Mahalia Murphy, Keilee Joseph and Olivia Kernick, Australia's players haven't had a competitive game since beating New Zealand in the Pacific Cup final back in November.

The limited game-time was apparent in this month's All Stars game as Kirra Dibb and Bobbi Law were forced to leave after being taken out by poorly executed tackles.

But Jillaroos interim coach Jess Skinner had players do individual workouts before their pre-Vegas camp in Queensland which started on a Thursday.

Everyone's been hitting the gym and running, with some players meeting up in their hometowns to train together in close contact to get ready for a strong start at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday (AEST).

Aus," Upton said, "we've had a pretty thorough prep with the coaching staff, doing everything we can to get ready.