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Darren Walton

Roosters star Paki to make Jillaroos World Cup debut

Rooster Sariah Paki will make her Jillaroos debut in the World Cup match against England. (AAP PHOTOS)

Sydney Roosters premiership winner Sariah Paki will become a dual international as one of two new faces making their Jillaroos debuts In Saturday night's World Cup clash against England.

St George Illawarra's new recruit from North Queensland, Makenzie Weale, will also make her debut from the bench in Perth after five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher entered the international arena with a bang in round one, claiming player of the match honours in a 40-0 win over Samoa.

As a rugby sevens star, Paki helped Australia to the Commonwealth Games gold medal and world title glory in 2022.

Makenzie Weale.
Former Cowboy Makenzie Weale has been named for her Australia debut off the bench. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

"We are really happy to give Makenzie and Sariah their opportunity to take to the field this week against England," Jillaroos coach Jesse Skinner said.

"They have been training well since coming into camp and have been key members of the squad, helping prepare the whole team for the challenges ahead.

"I’m excited to see the impact they'll bring off the bench, adding energy, physicality and momentum through our rotation."

Julia Robinson.
Julia Robinson moves to the centres for Australia while Jess Sergis is rested. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

Other changes include Abbi Church coming into the backline on the wing, with Julia Robinson moving into the centres for the rested Jess Sergis.

Tiana Penitani Gray will start in the second row after coming from the bench in the win over Fetu Samoa, with Kezie Apps also rested.

Cronulla and Indigenous All Stars hooker Quincy Dodd is the other new face on the bench.

Jillaroos: Tamika Upton, Jaime Chapman, Julia Robinson, Isabelle Kelly,  Abbi Church, Jocelyn Kelleher, Tarryn Aiken, Millie Elliott, Olivia Higgins, Simaima Taufa, Tiana Penitani Gray, Shaylee Bent, Olivia Kernick. Reserves: Quincy Dodd, Sarah Togatuki, Makenzie Weale, Sariah Paki.

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