The unconventional coach out to extend the Jillaroos reign
Jessica Skinner doubted her coaching style was elite. Now she believes it's exactly what elite sport needs. Her path from rural NSW to the top has been shaped by resilience, community, family and a belief that sport can change lives.
Jessica Skinner, a proud Barkindji and Māori woman, is set to become the head coach of the Jillaroos, Australia's national women's rugby league team, for the Women's Rugby League World Cup final in Brisbane next month. Despite the immense pressure to secure a fourth consecutive title, Skinner emphasizes that the tournament is about more than just winning.
She feels she is lifting her people, her community in Trangie, her family, and the broader Indigenous and Māori communities. Skinner's coaching philosophy focuses on valuing, seeing, and caring for each person she works with. This approach has earned her respect and success, including leading the Jillaroos to a historic Test victory against England in Las Vegas last year and a 2025 Pacific Cup win.
Despite the challenges of being one of only three female heads coaching rugby league internationally and the sacrifice of time with her children, Skinner remains proud to represent her community and lead her team.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
