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Joel Gould

Jillaroos make shock halves call for World Cup final

Jocelyn Kelleher has been benched, but is eyeing some minutes in the World Cup decider against NZ. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia have recalled Brisbane star Jesse Southwell at five-eighth and dropped Sydney Roosters premiership winner Jocelyn Kelleher for the Women's World Cup final.

It is a big call by Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner ahead of the showdown with the Kiwi Ferns on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium, after Kelleher played in three of the four matches won by Australia in the tournament.

Kelleher was also player of the match at No.6 in the 40-0 win over Samoa on Test debut in the opening round.

Southwell, who will partner Tarryn Aiken in the halves, did shine in the record-breaking 124-6 win over Wales where she had a personal haul of 44 points from a try and 20 goals from 21 attempts.

Jesse Southwell.
Point-scoring machine against the Welsh, Jesse Southwell is back for the big one against the Kiwis. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

She was also a key in NSW's 3-0 series win over Queensland in this year's State of Origin series.

Kelleher also kicks goals and shared a strong bond with Roosters teammate and halfback Aiken during their NRLW title win, but has been named in the 21 jersey for the clash with New Zealand.

Try whiz Jaime Chapman has been picked on the wing, despite coming from the field early with a hamstring issue in the 30-14 win over Fiji in the semi-final.

The Ferns have retained the same 17 that defeated Samoa 32-0 in their semi.

New Zealand men's team, meantime, have recalled winger Ronaldo Mulitalo from suspension to the starting side for the final showdown with Australia on Sunday night.

Ronaldo Mulitalo apologises to Ronald Philitoga.
Ronaldo Mulitalo apologises to Fiji's Ronald Philitoga before being sent off on the Gold Coast. (JASON O’BRIEN/AAP PHOTOS)

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has made way after he scored a try in the 34-10 semi-final win over Tonga.

Mulitalo was sent off in the 72-0 win over Fiji for a shoulder charge and copped a one-match ban.

Australia have named the same 19 that beat Samoa 44-12 for the decider.

Centre Latrell Mitchell and half Sam Walker have been listed at No.18 and No.19 respectively with coach Kevin Walters settling on Bradman Best as his left centre and Tom Dearden at No.7, both of whom were outstanding against Samoa.

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