Trailblazing Skinner puts hand up for full-time Jillaroos job

Jillaroos interim coach Jess Skinner has expressed her desire to remain in the role on a permanent basis following next month's historic Las Vegas Test. 

The Women's Indigenous All Stars coach, Skinner is currently focused on Saturday's clash with the Māori All Stars but will quickly turn her attention to the clash with England at Allegiant Stadium on March 1. 

The mentor stepped into the Jillaroos role having served a lengthy apprenticeship under former coach Brad Donald and she's eager to build on the foundation he laid during his time in charge.

"Absolutely (I want it)," Skinner said.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to be the interim, and what comes after it will be but I would obviously love to have the role going forward. There is a process with the ARL Commission and what that looks like.

"Brad Donald has done a fantastic job with the program, he has been a great custodian of the jersey and he has left a platform for it to keep going."

Skinner has been involved with the Jillaroos since 2018 and is in her second year in charge of the Indigenous All Stars. She was also previously a Knights NRLW assistant coach and led the Prime Minister's XIII side last year.

A leading voice for the growth of women's rugby league and an advocate for the implementation of player pathways, Skinner is widely respected within the game. 

She has previously been in charge of the First Nations Gems and ran the NRL Indigenous Women's Academy development programs.

Men's Indigenous All Stars coach Ron Griffiths has worked closely with his women's counterpart for a number of years and threw his support behind Skinner's elevation to the Jillaroos job. 

"I used the word earlier, [she's a] trailblazer," Griffiths said. "Someone asked me [if I was] interested, I said 'certainly, but they got the right person'. 

"Everyone's proud of Jess. Whether you're an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or Anglo-Saxon or Māori, everyone should be proud of what she's achieved. What she's done in the game and elevating women in the game. She's got a really great standing in it and I've got no doubt she'll have long term success in coaching."

Skinner credits the All Stars game for playing a key role in her development as a coach, with the Indigenous set up a chance to work with elite players in a professional environment. 

While much is made of the opportunities the annual fixture provides for players to connect with their culture, it is also a vital pathway for emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander coaches and staff. 

Former women's Indigenous coach Ben Jeffries first led the side in 2020, two years before he took charge of the Cowboys NRLW team.

Skinner's current assistant Rebecca Young is a former Jillaroo who has impressed in the transition to coaching and will grow from her involvement with the All Stars side. 

Griffiths also recognises the importance of developing emerging First Nations coaches and has had Dave Elliott by his side this week. 

A Queensland Cup premiership-winning coach, Elliott was recently appointed an assistant coach of the Maroons Women's State of Origin side and is also tipped for future head coaching roles. 

Skinner feels a responsibility to help emerging Indigenous coaches develop and hopes the All Stars game will continue to provide a pathway in the future.