England promote Jenna Foubister to starting half-back in World Cup reshuffle

England have named 19-year-old Jenna Foubister at half-back in a reshaped women's team for their Rugby League World Cup match against Australia. The selection announced on Tuesday moves Georgia Roche to the interchange bench and gives Foubister the No.7 shirt alongside Isabel Rowe for Saturday's game in Perth.

According to BBC Sport, head coach Stuart Barrow has made three changes to the starting XIII following England's 70-6 opening victory over Wales. Molly Jones replaces Georgia Wilson in the centres, while Liv Wood takes over from Mary Coleman at prop. Lucie Sams has also been named among the interchange players.

Foubister's promotion follows a season in which the Wigan Warriors player won the Woman of Steel award. The NRL's official second-round team lists confirm that she appeared from the bench against Wales before being selected to start against Australia. Roche remains in the match-day group, giving Barrow another half-back option among his replacements.

BBC Sport reported that Foubister scored on her England debut in a 62-0 victory against Wales in August 2025. Saturday's meeting will be England's first against Australia since their 90-4 loss in Las Vegas in March 2025. Australia are the reigning champions, and the match will take place at HBF Park as part of the tournament's second round.

Australia have also announced changes. The NRL lists Abbi Church on the wing, with Julia Robinson moving into the centres and Jess Sergis rested. Tiana Penitani Gray has been selected in the back row while Kezie Apps is rested. Makenzie Weale and Sariah Paki have been named on the interchange and could make their Test debuts; selection does not yet confirm an appearance.

The England changes draw on the squad Barrow named in September, combining Women's Super League players with those based in the NRLW. In that announcement, the Rugby Football League identified Sams as a potential debutant and listed Foubister, Rowe and Jones among Wigan's representatives. Wood was selected from York Valkyrie, while Roche was included from Newcastle Knights.