The 17-year-old has helped the Australian women's team seal the World Series title for the first time since 2018, capped off by beating New Zealand in the final of the Canada round on Monday (AEST).

The Aussies came back to defeat the Kiwis 21-17 with a try on the last play of the decider, after the full-time siren.

Three wins and a bronze at the previous four legs meant Tim Walsh's side only needed a top-three finish to claim the overall crown with one round remaining.

New Zealand hadn't featured until now due to their country's COVID-19 restrictions.

Southwell, also contracted with NRL club the Newcastle Knights, was announced in the national squad last week.

She made appearances off the bench in all of Australia's matches in Canada, bar the final.

The Aussies made a clean sweep of Sunday's group stage - Mexico (58-0), Spain (24-7) and Canada (28-5) - before accounting for Spain (55-0) in the quarters and Ireland (26-5) in the semis.

Only 12 months ago Southwell impressed with the University of Newcastle team contesting the AON Uni 7s tournament.

The final leg of the World Series takes place in France later this month before Australia competes in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Southwell missed rugby league's Tarsha Gale Cup grand final on the weekend with the Knights going down 12-10 to the Sydney Roosters.

Her older sister Hannah clinched the NRLW premiership with the Roosters last month.

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