Australia’s national women’s rugby league team, the Jillaroos, have officially arrived on the Central Coast, calling Council’s Central Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Complex (CCRSRC) at Tuggerah home as they prepare for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
As one of three Rugby League World Cup teams to select the Central Coast as an official training base ahead of the tournament, the Jillaroos’ arrival marks an exciting milestone for the region and its passionate rugby league community. The Central Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Complex has been selected to host three Rugby League World Cup teams, including the Australian Jillaroos, ahead of the international tournament.
Central Coast Mayor, John McNamara said the Jillaroos’ arrival was a proud moment for the community.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Jillaroos to the Central Coast as they begin the final stages of their preparation for the Rugby League World Cup. Hosting one of the world’s premier sporting teams is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our region, our world-class sporting facilities and our strong connection to rugby league,” Mayor McNamara said.
“We’re especially excited that several Central Coast players will be part of this year’s Jillaroos squad, with Isabelle Kelly as Captain, Tarryn Aiken, Olivia Kernick and Jocelyn Kelleher pulling on the green and gold. Their selection is a source of immense pride for our community and provides inspiration for young athletes who dream of representing Australia on the world stage.
“The Jillaroos visit is a chance for local fans to meet the team, watch them train and inspire the next generation of female players through the League Stars Holiday Clinic. We’re proud to support these opportunities for our community.”
As part of their stay, the Jillaroos will host a free community open training session on Sunday 11 October at the Central Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Complex, giving fans exclusive access to watch the team in action before they begin their Rugby League World Cup campaign.
The event will provide a rare opportunity for supporters to meet players, watch training and be part of the excitement as the Jillaroos put the finishing touches on their World Cup preparations.
Community members can register to attend the Jillaroos Open Training Session Learn more about sports news on the Central Coast at LoveCentralCoast.com
The Central Coast is also hosting two other international teams who will be competing in the World Cup – the Wales Women’s team and the Cook Islands Men’s team.
Central Coast Council is also partnering with the Australian Jillaroos, Rugby League Central Coast and NSW Rugby League to deliver a Jillaroos League Stars Holiday Clinic for 200 local girls aged 10 to 12 years.
The clinic is funded by the Australian Government’s Play Our Way grant program that supports grassroots programs designed to foster inclusion, reduce barriers to participation and empower women and girls through sport and physical activity.
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup will be held across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea from 15 October to 15 November 2026 and will feature standalone men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions. The Jillaroos’ presence on the Central Coast places the region at the heart of one of the world’s biggest sporting events while providing local fans with memorable opportunities to connect with elite athletes.