CRL Newcastle representatives Isabelle Kelly, Holli Wheeler and Hannah Southwell have put themselves in the frame for further Test selection as the Jillaroos start looking towards the 2021 World Cup.
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The trio were named in the Australian women's rugby league merit team on Monday after helping guide NSW to State of Origin victory over Queensland last week.
World Cup winner Kelly was picked in the same national side 12 months ago while all three wore the green and gold uniform against New Zealand in Auckland at the end of last year.
The Jillaroos have commitments at the World Cup 9s in Sydney in October (18-19) followed a week later by a Test with New Zealand in Wollongong. A clash between the Australian PM's XIII and the PNG Orchids XIII in Fiji has also been slated for 2019.
"The skill level of our elite female athletes continues to get better and better and I was so proud of the efforts of every player competing for their respective states," Jillaroos coach Brad Donald told NRL media.
"We're in a building phase as we start to focus on the 2021 rugby league World Cup and you can sense between the elite players that there is a healthy level of competition for spots.
"Throw in the talent coming through the pathways programs, many of whom featured in the under 18's fixture on Friday night, and it's the future is bright for women's rugby league.
"Those in this merit team deserve their place and recognition, as we prepare for plenty more rugby league this year, including the premiership, a nines tournament and a Test match."
Kelly was selected at centre, Wallsend's Wheeler in the second-row and Cameron Park's Southwell at lock.
JILLAROOS: Corban McGregor, Jess Sergis, Amber Pilley, Isabelle Kelly, Steph Mooka, Kirra Dibb, Maddie Studdon, Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Brittany Breayley, Simaima Taufa, Holli Wheeler, Annette Brander, Hannah Southwell, Ali Brigginshaw, Millie Boyle, Steph Hancock, Botille Vette-Welsh.
