Jenna Foubister handed England start against Australia as Georgia Roche moves to World Cup bench

The 19-year-old will partner Wigan team-mate Isabel Rowe against the world champions, while Lucie Sams is set for her international debut in Perth.

Jenna Foubister will start at scrum-half for England against Australia in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup on Saturday, with Georgia Roche moving to the interchange bench.

Head coach Stuart Barrow has selected the teenager alongside Isabel Rowe for England’s second group match at HBF Park. Kick-off is at 10.05am BST.

The change follows England’s 70-6 opening victory over Wales, when Foubister came off the bench and supplied the offload for Connie Boyd to complete her debut hat-trick.

Jenna Foubister takes starting role after Woman of Steel award

Foubister’s promotion comes after she was named the 2026 Woman of Steel, winning the award ahead of fellow Wigan nominees Eva Hunter and Megan Williams.

She now joins club team-mate Rowe in England’s starting halves, with Roche available to enter the game from the bench.

Rowe arrives on the back of a record-equalling performance against Wales. Her two tries and nine conversions produced 26 points, matching Natalie Gilmour’s record for an England Women player in an international.

England scored 13 tries in that match, with Boyd and Anna Davies each contributing a hat-trick. Boyd retains her centre place after marking her first England appearance with three tries.

Lucie Sams set for England debut

Wigan prop Sams is the uncapped addition to the interchange bench in the Rugby Football League’s squad announcement.

Her selection follows a club career that has already brought two Women’s Challenge Cup titles. Sams has also played netball and rugby union at a high level before earning this opportunity in rugby league.

She joins Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield and Roche among the named replacements.

Barrow has also brought Molly Jones into the centres in place of Georgia Wilson, while Liv Wood replaces Mary Coleman at prop.

Amelia Brown keeps her place on the wing after scoring twice against Wales, alongside fellow winger Davies.

England team named to face Australia

Starting XIII: Fran Goldthorp; Anna Davies, Molly Jones, Connie Boyd, Amelia Brown; Isabel Rowe, Jenna Foubister; Liv Wood, Keara Bennett, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Jasmin Strange, Eva Hunter, Megan Williams.

Interchange: Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield, Georgia Roche, Lucie Sams.

Additional squad members: Hope Millard, Georgia Wilson, Lucy Murray.

When is Australia v England?

England face the defending champions at HBF Park, Perth, on Saturday 24 October, with kick-off at 10.05am BST.

Premier Sports will show the match live in the UK, with a subscription required. Our Rugby League World Cup fixtures and TV guide covers the wider tournament schedule and viewing information.