Wests Tigers NRLW stars Kezie Apps, Sarah Togatuki and Shaylee Bent have been named in the Jillaroos squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The trio have been rewarded after playing pivotal roles in the Tigers historic season, which saw the team reach its maiden NRLW finals series.
Second-rower Kezie Apps earns another opportunity to represent Australia after an impressive season as Tigers captain, leading the team through its most successful NRLW campaign to date.
The 22-game Jillaroos representative was also named NRLW Captain of the Year at the Dally M Awards.
Front-rower Sarah Togatuki has also been recognised for a standout season, claiming the NRLW Prop of the Year award at the Dally M Awards.
Having already represented Australia and Samoa, Togatuki’s strength, work rate and leadership, including her role in the club’s Guardians of Values leadership group, have made her a vital part of the Tigers rise.
Joining her teammates in the Jillaroos squad is powerful second-rower Shaylee Bent, who enjoyed a superb first season with the Wests Tigers NRLW side.
After arriving at the Club with more than 50 NRLW games of experience, Bent quickly became a key figure in the Tigers season and earned the NRLW Second Rower of the Year honour at the Dally M Awards.
Her performances were also recognised within the Club, with Bent awarded the Wests Tigers NRLW Players’ Player honour and finishing runner-up in the Club’s Player of the Year award.
Bent returns to the Jillaroos squad for the first time since 2023, bringing additional skill and experience to the Australian side.
The Jillaroos will compete on home soil at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, opening their campaign against Fetu Samoa at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on Friday, 16 October.
Wests Tigers Head Coach Craig Sandercock was proud to see three of his players recognised among the best in the game.
"I'm so pleased for the players, all three of them were instrumental to our team's performance this year, and they all train and work hard, and truly deserve the selection," said Sandercock.
"Kezie's really consistent. She's led by example, and if you're playing well, you deserve to be there, and Kezie's no exception. She's one of the best back rowers in the competition.
"Sala was awesome this year. She led by example in training and in her games. Her carries and defence were enormous for us, and I'm so proud of her.
"Shaylee was in career-best form this season and fully deserves all the success that's come her way. She's had an amazing year in every sense of the word."
