Jillaroos determined to honour the past in Orchids clash

The Harvey Norman Jillaroos have vowed to honour the legacy of women's rugby league trailblazers in Friday night's Pacific Championships opener. 

The team has spent their first week in camp celebrating the past, recognising Australian legends and the sacrifices made by those who came before them. 

Jillaroo No. 19 Veronica White spoke to the side in camp on Tuesday while NRL Hall of Fame member Karyn Murphy presented the players their match jerseys on Wednesday night. Annette Brander, who won the Karyn Murphy Medal in 2019, addressed the team the day before the game. 

Debutant Quincy Dodd, who will become Jillaroo No. 177, said the trio's message will be front of mind when she runs on to Suncorp Stadium for Friday's clash with the Papua New Guinea Orchids.

"Having Veronica White sitting there with us in the yarning circle and telling us about her story, where she started and how she got to where she is was amazing," Dodd said. 

"Listening to her stories made me think about how much she's done for the game and makes me want to push more for the game. She brought out her playing jerseys too, getting to hold them was special. 

"Celebrating the past is a big part of the game. This first week in camp has been all about the past, it's been really special. I haven't been in a camp like this where we bring in players from the past and it's something we'll take into more games."

White was a trailblazer on and off the field, playing 16 matches for the Jillaroos from 1995 to 2004 and fighting for increased opportunities for the women's side.

She was a president of the Australian Women's Rugby League and played a key role setting up the Interstate Challenge that later became State of Origin. 

The Veronica White Medal has been named after her and is awarded to the NRLW Woman of the Year for the player who makes the biggest contribution to their community off the field.

White was inducted to the Hall of Fame alongside Murphy, another trailblazer who played in 28 Tests and captained Australia 18 times. The medal for the player of the match in the NRLW grand final is named in her honour.

Women's rugby league has progressed significantly since the pair first took up the sport, with players now celebrated and operating in an elite high-performance environment.

Jillaroos coach Brad Donald has ensured his squad does not forget how far the sport has come and has placed a high priority on ensuring they build on the foundation laid by the early players. 

Having met with the group first-hand, White is confident the future is in safe hands.