Proud Trangie athlete, Jess Skinner spent a few days back home after a hectic schedule coaching the ascendant Australian women’s rugby league team, The Jillaroos.

Jess couldn’t stop smiling after her side upended the New Zealand Ferns in a dominant 40-8 victory in the Pacific Championship final.

Starting her career playing in the Castlereagh Cup and for the Western Rams, Jess soon stepped-up to coach at a regional level, with her talents and passion soon recognised at higher administrative levels of the growing sport.

A couple of years ago, the-then Trangie teacher/Principal set aside the school books and white boards to accept an offer to join the elite coaching team at the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport).

Before long, she was assistant to another western product, Brad Donald from Bathurst with the NSW and Australian teams, before the pathway to the top emerged.

Appointed to lead the NSW First Nations team in the interstate Origin series, Jess was then appointed to take Australia to the Pacific Championships and next year’s World Cup.

“I am so proud of where I come from and what we have achieved in driving the women’s tackle rugby league forward,” Jess told Dubbo Photo News.

“Our players are making their marks in Tarsha Gale, Harvey Norman Cup, and the NRLW,” she added.

Jess also sang the praises of two others of our own western NSW players in the Pacific Cup final.

“Jakiya Whitfield from Bathurst has transformed her game this season.

“She was a winger but can now play in the centres and at fullback and that versatility is incredibly valuable in our squad.”

This was most evident on the big stage in the Pacific Cup showdown, Jess said.

“In the final, she showed her all-round skills with a couple of try-saving tackles and then an incisive run from our own line and a superb offload to send Jess Sergis on a 70-metre run for the try of the match.”

Jess also highlighted the role of a key behind-the-scenes member of the Jillaroos.

“Rebecca Lang, or Rebecca Swan now she’s married, has been in the jersey for two years now,” Jess said.

“She went to Vegas last year and then State of Origins and the Pac series, so it’s really nice to see her in the green and gold. She's been a physio with the Newcastle Knights since 2021.”

Jess says that the bush-based players and others involved in the women’s game, take every opportunity to get back over the mountains and see home.

“All of the Jillaroos are proud of who they are, where they’ve come from, and what they offer the country as sports reps,” Jess aid.

“They are top of their crafts on the field and in the sheds but more importantly, they are amazing human beings.”