nib Newcastle Knights Premiership-winning co-captain Millie Boyle and Karyn Murphy Medallist Tamika Upton have withdrawn from the Australian Jillaroos squad for the Rugby League World Cup.
Upton’s withdrawal is due to the ongoing calf strain that she carried into the semi-final and Grand Final.
Boyle established her business, Trainer Group, working with people living with disabilities in and around her football commitments during 2022 and has made the tough call to prioritise work over representing her country.
Boyle and Upton informed Australian Coach Brad Donald of their decisions this morning.
NRLW Head Coach Ronald Griffiths says the club is fully supportive of the players’ decisions.
“Millie is all about team first actions and putting her business and her participants needs ahead of her playing ambitions is the very epitome of team first,” Griffiths said.
“Such is the nature of the women’s game – these are not full-time athletes and as a result decisions are not as straightforward as they may seem. There are many factors to consider.
“Tamika missed two games at the end of the longest year of her career to date and having managed the injury through the semi and Grand Final she needs to prioritise her recovery.
“No doubt, sitting out a World Cup is one of the hardest decisions a player will make in their career.
“Both Millie and Tamika know that as a club we support them every step of the way.”
