Pelite ruled out of Pacific Championships as Joseph joins squad

Sydney Roosters player Keilee Joseph has been added to the Harvey Norman Jillaroos squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships, following the withdrawal of Evania Pelite with injury.

Joseph's return to the international arena continues her impressive rise following a stellar 2022 season where she was named Dally M Second Rower of the Year and made her Jillaroos debut at the end-of-year Rugby League World Cup.

The 21-year-old was named the player of the match in her State of Origin debut for the Queensland Maroons earlier this year before featuring in 10 games for the Roosters, where she averaged 27 tackles and 105 metres per game.

The updated Jillaroos squad, listed alphabetically, is as follows:

• Tarryn Aiken (Roosters)
• Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers)
• Shaylee Bent (Titans)
• Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos)
• Lauren Brown (Titans)
• Jaime Chapman (Titans)
• Kennedy Cherrington (Eels)
• Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights)
• Keeley Davis (Roosters)
• Jess Elliston* (Titans)
• Caitlan Johnston (Knights)
• Keilee Joseph (Roosters)
• Isabelle Kelly (Roosters)
• Olivia Kernick (Roosters)
• Emma Manzelmann* (Cowboys)
• Shannon Mato (Titans)
• Julia Robinson (Broncos)
• Jessica Sergis (Roosters)
• Simaima Taufa (Raiders)
• Emma Tonegato (Sharks)
• Tamika Upton* (Knights)

* denotes debutante