Keely Davis thought her season was over just a few weeks ago. Now she's preparing for Sunday's Pacific Cup final after being parachuted into the Harvey Norman Jillaroos team.
The Roosters hooker was devastated to miss selection in the initial squad for the Pacific Championships, but coach Brad Donald's message was simple. Stay prepared in case an injury hits.
The news came just a day after Davis had helped the Roosters to the NRLW premiership and she could have easily turned her focus to the off-season. Instead, she heeded her coach's message.
As it happened, hooker Quincy Dodd injured her quad in the tournament opener and Davis joined the team in Christchurch prior to their week two clash with New Zealand. After serving as 18th player for that match, the utility is set to come off the bench in Sunday's final at CommBank Stadium.
Having felt the disappointment of initially missing out on the squad, Davis is even more determined to make the most of another opportunity to wear the green and gold.
Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos – Week 2, 2024
"I was extremely disappointed to miss out," Davis said. "I thought footy was done for the rest of the year but I tried to keep fit just in case, you never know what's going to happen.
"It was really exciting to get the call from Brad. As soon as I got the call I packed my bag within an hour and got over to Christchurch. It's super exciting to be back with the girls, I'm helping out whatever way possible and just grateful to be back here."
Davis' selection on the bench sees Jessica Sergis shift to 18th player, with Jessika Elliston named in the extended squad after her late withdrawal from the win in Christchurch with a quad injury.
Match: Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns
Final -
home Team
Jillaroos
1st Position
away Team
Kiwi Ferns
2nd Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
There were no other changes for a team desperate to avenge last year's defeat in the Pacific Championships final to New Zealand.
The Jillaroos enjoyed a week off following their 14-0 victory over the Kiwi Ferns in Christchurch and assembled back in camp in the Blue Mountains on Sunday.
The team travelled out to Bathurst for their first training session of the week, attending a junior gala day and interacting with the next generation of players as part of the NRL's Road to Regions program.
The visit marked a return home for winger Jakiya Whitfeld, with the outside back a fan favourite throughout the day.
Davis can still remember the day Jillaroos legend Ruan Sims visited her high school and the impact it had on inspiring a teenager from the Illawarra to chase her sporting dream.
Ruan and Rugby League
Now she's that player representing her country and Davis is determined to make the most of every opportunity she gets to motivate the next generation.
"The sport's growth has gone crazy in the last few years," she said. "It's so important to be able to give back. I remember when Ruan Sims was playing in the Jillaroos and visited my high school, it was a special moment for me.
"It's unreal to now see so many girls out here and so many opportunities for them to play.
"You can forget how far this sport's come but this is such a good reminder of that. Coming into this camp there's an emphasis on where the game's been. This has been a good time to look back at where the game's come from and make sure the next few years it keeps growing and developing."
Monday's trip to Bathurst wasn't just a special event for the players, with Donald starting his coaching journey in the central western town.
The mentor spent a decade living in the region, working as a game development officer and taking the first steps on a path to the Australian side.
Who is Brad Donald?
Having seen the importance of establishing pathways for junior players and coaches from regional areas, Donald said the team has an important role to play in showcasing the road to the elite level.
"One of the things the girls wanted to do is spend more time in the community and get out to regional areas," Donald said. "We know the people out this way buy in and maybe it can inspire someone to be a Jillaroo.
"Our assistant coach Jess Skinner is from Trangie, I've spent some time out this way and Jakiya Whitfeld is a local.
"The girls understand the responsibility they have when they accept the jersey. To make this side it's not just about being a great player, it's about being a great human. It's about giving back and inspiring young ladies.
"There's nothing these girls won't do to inspire more females and encourage greater growth, to see more players in the NRLW and one day in the Jillaroos jersey."
