Only 12 months ago Southwell was representing the University of Newcastle at No.2 Sportsground, but she's now a world-title winner after making her international rugby sevens debut one to remember.

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

"She was always destined for higher honours and the fact she has done that as a teenager is incredible," Ross Duncan, who coached Southwell in last year's Aon Uni 7s, told the Newcastle Herald.

"She showed her wares out on the world stage and didn't look our of place."

Officially announced in the squad last week, Southwell came off the bench for Australia in every game bar the decider.

She scored a try in her first appearance, a 58-0 win over Mexico in Sunday's group stage, and kicked two conversions against Spain (55-0) in the quarters.

The Aussies only needed a top-three finish to clinch the overall silverware, having already triumphed at three previous stops during the World Series.

But they iced the success with a clean sweep in Langford, going on to defeat the Kiwis 21-17 with a try on the last play of the the decider.

One round remains in France later this month, followed by the Commonwealth Games in England from July 28.

"I guess with [coach] Tim Walsh it's all about seeing what options are out there and the best fit for the squad," Duncan said.

"She's obviously well and truly in the running for that and hopefully for her sake and the local rugby community's sake we're cheering on Jesse at another pinnacle sporting event."

Regardless of any future selections, Duncan feels that Southwell was among top-quality mentors across the weekend.

"Having people like Madi Ashby and Charlotte Caslick as mentors, time with those girls and picking their brains for information will only do Jesse good," he said.

"I'm sure over the coming year and years her time on the field and position in the team will continue to grow."

Southwell, also contracted with rugby league club the Newcastle Knights, missed the under-19 Tarsha Gale Cup grand final on the weekend.

Older sister Hannah won an NRLW premiership with the Sydney Roosters last month. She also represented Australia at rugby sevens.

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