Isabelle Kelly has revealed the whirlwind moment she was told she would captain the Jillaroos, just minutes after leading the Roosters to an undefeated season.
The star centre was still celebrating on stage after lifting the trophy on Sunday when NRL boss Peter V’landys approached her with the life-changing news.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Isabelle Kelly speaks ahead of leading Jillaroos at World Cup
She will now lead Australia in the upcoming World Cup as the Jillaroos look to win their fourth consecutive title.
“I actually just got off the stage from lifting the trophy on Sunday and Peter V’landys came over and told me that I was actually going to be the captain, so it all happened quite quickly,” Kelly told The Agenda Setters: Rugby League.
The appointment caps off a remarkable year for Kelly, who captained New South Wales to a 3-0 series victory and led the Roosters through an entire season without a single loss.
Kelly admitted the captaincy was something she never expected to achieve, despite her long-standing commitment to representing Australia.
“It’s something that I guess for me I didn’t really think was going to happen for myself. I’ve just loved being a part of the Jillaroos for a really long time now and wanted to perform at my best for my country,” she said.
The new captain is excited about the squad she’ll lead, which features a mix of emerging talent and experienced campaigners.
“I think the group of girls that I’ll be able to lead this year are really exciting, there’s a lot of fresh girls coming through, and then there’s some girls that have been around for a really long time,” Kelly said.
“I’m just wanting to set the standard at a really high level and respect the girls that have really paved the way for us.”
Kelly also highlighted a number of players she expects to step up in the upcoming tournament.
“I think when you look at Shaylee Bent, she’s had an incredible year this year with the West Tigers. Jaime Chapman. Also, Sariah Paki, who’s come over from the Aussie Sevens,” Kelly said.
“So I can’t really give you one name but those girls and a number of girls also that have pulled on this jersey for a really long time I think are going to really step up.
“Samoa is our first game and they have really stepped up. We’ve got a lot of girls coming back and pledged their allegiance back to their home nation, which is awesome for the game.
“So we know they’re going to be really tough. And then, obviously, New Zealand, they’re in a different pool to us. We love that rivalry. It’s a rivalry that’s been going for a really long time now.
“It’s always one of the best games in the calendar. So hopefully we can meet them at the back end of this campaign.”
Australia begin their campaign against Samoa on Friday before matches against England and Wales to round out the group stage.
Every single match at the Rugby League World Cup will be live and free on Seven and 7plus.