{
  "id": 20110786,
  "title": "Live: Jillaroos kick off day of trans-Tasman World Cup finals",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/live-jillaroos-kick-off-day-of-trans-tasman-world-cup-finals",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-15T03:57:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-15/kangaroos-jillaroos-live-rugby-league-world-cup-finals/107376474"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a thrilling Rugby League World Cup finale, the Jillaroos and Kangaroos took on their New Zealand counterparts, the Ferns and Kiwis, respectively. The women's match kicked off at 3:10pm AEST at Brisbane's Lang Park, while the men's game began at 6:35pm AEST. These games marked the culmination of a grueling rugby league season in searing heat and humidity in Brisbane.\n\nHowever, the Jillaroos faced a significant setback in their campaign. Coach Jess Skinner made a startling move, replacing five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher with Jesse Southwell. Southwell had only played in the team's previous match, which they won convincingly against Wales (124-6). In contrast, Kelleher had been a standout player throughout the tournament, forming a perfect partnership with Sydney Roosters' premiership-winning teammate Tarryn Aiken.\n\nThe absence of Kelleher saw her entirely cut from the 17-player squad, leaving her out of the national team for the remainder of the competition. This dramatic decision left the women's team in a state of uncertainty, as they prepared to face their Kiwi rivals in the decider. The men's final was set to follow, adding to the drama of the thrilling tournament.",
  "summary": "The Jillaroos and Kangaroos take on their New Zealand rivals in the women's and men's Rugby League World Cup finals. Follow live.",
  "key_points": [
    "Jillaroos vs. Ferns match begins at 3:10pm AEST at Brisbane's Lang Park",
    "Coach Jess Skinner replaces Jocelyn Kelleher with Jesse Southwell",
    "Kelleher's absence leaves Jillaroos uncertain for the decider"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Replacing a standout player with a recent newcomer destabilizes the Jillaroos' established tactical partnerships and introduces significant uncertainty into their championship campaign against New Zealand.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}