The future of Australian Jillaroos head coach Brad Donald hangs in the balance as the NRL finalizes an investigation into his alleged misconduct. Donald, who has been at the helm of the national women’s rugby league team since 2016, is accused of making a disparaging remark about a journalist in front of players during last year’s Pacific Championships.
The incident has escalated to the desk of Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys, with a decision on Donald’s fate expected as early as next week. It marks a turbulent period for the veteran coach, who courted controversy in October when he surprisingly omitted Dally M medallist Olivia Kernick from his Pacific Championships squad.
Alleged Expletive-Laden Comment Sparks Probe
Sources revealed to AAP that the NRL’s human resources department has been investigating Donald for allegedly using an expletive to refer to a journalist while venting frustrations over media coverage in the presence of Jillaroos players. At least one player subsequently shared details of the interaction, prompting the NRL to launch its own inquiry.
The situation is complicated by Donald’s dual roles at the NRL – he serves as both the Jillaroos head coach and the general manager of women’s player pathways. As a result, human resources rather than the NRL integrity unit is handling the matter. Any potential sanctions would only impact his coaching position.
Kernick Snub Raises Eyebrows
The investigation comes on the heels of Donald’s contentious call to leave Dally M winner Olivia Kernick out of Australia’s Pacific Championships campaign. The decision baffled many pundits and raised eyebrows at NRL headquarters, intensifying scrutiny on the embattled coach.
I’m very disappointed I didn’t make the team. I thought I’d done enough this year to be there.
Olivia Kernick on her Jillaroos omission
Donald later claimed Kernick’s bench role in State of Origin factored into his selection calculus, despite her having started for New South Wales in the interstate clash. Australia went on to dominate the Pacific Championships undefeated, notching resounding victories over Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
Jillaroos Camp Called Off
In a curious twist, a scheduled Jillaroos training camp on the Gold Coast last weekend – ahead of a historic Test match against England in Las Vegas on March 1 – was abruptly cancelled without clear explanation. Donald and the NRL both declined to comment when contacted by AAP.
Transformative Tenure in Jeopardy
Donald, an NRL employee since 2002, has been instrumental in advancing the women’s game domestically. He has overseen the Jillaroos’ most dominant era, guiding them to World Cup triumphs in 2017 and 2022. Under his watch, the team embarked on a staggering seven-year, 15-match unbeaten streak.
- 2016: Appointed Jillaroos head coach
- 2017: Steered Australia to World Cup glory
- 2022: Claimed second World Cup title
- 15-match: Undefeated streak from 2016-2023
His tenure has coincided with the meteoric rise of women’s rugby league in Australia, ushering in the dawn of professionalism at the elite level. The trailblazing coach had set his sights on spearheading the Jillaroos to another World Cup crown in 2026. His vital pathways work was also lauded during the inaugural Pacific Championships.
As the NRL’s investigation nears its conclusion, Brad Donald’s storied reign at the pinnacle of women’s rugby league hangs by a thread. The findings could have far-reaching implications not only for the Jillaroos’ immediate future, but for the sport’s continued growth and evolution under fresh stewardship.
