Capping a stellar season, Ali Brigginshaw will replace an injured Sam Bremner as Jillaroos captain for Saturday's Auckland Test against New Zealand.
The classy Brisbane halfback will lead the Australian women's rugby league team in the absence of Bremner, who misses a chance to make her debut as Jillaroos captain after pulling out with a broken toe.
The Jillaroos job is another highlight for Brigginshaw, who is still buzzing from steering the Broncos to a historic NRL Women's Premiership title win.
Skipper Brigginshaw helped Brisbane go through the inaugural NRLW undefeated, winning all four games including a 34-12 grand-final victory over Sydney Roosters.
"I can't believe I got named but I am honoured and the girls have really been supportive of me," Brigginshaw said as the Jillaroos flew out from Brisbane to Auckland.
"Sammy is not there which is disappointing but I know I will go out and lead by example like she would and do her proud."
St George Illawarra fullback Bremner succumbed to the toe fracture that had sidelined her for the NRLW's final two rounds.
Jillaroos coach Brad Donald felt for Bremner, who was named skipper barely a week ago, but backed Brigginshaw to step up.
"Whilst we're sad that Sam isn't able to take her position captaining the team, Ali will do a fantastic job on Saturday," he said.
The toe injury extended Dragons No.1 Bremner's rotten run of luck in the green and gold.
Bremner also missed last year's trans-Tasman Test and the 2017 Rugby League World Cup due to injury.
Veteran Karina Brown was called into the Jillaroos team after Bremner's withdrawal.
Brisbane's Chelsea Baker replaces Bremner at fullback while Brown has been named on the wing in the Jillaroos 17 unveiled on Tuesday night.
Debutant Holli Wheeler is in the starting backrow with St George Illawarra teammate Kezie Apps for the Kiwi Ferns clash.
Keeley Davis - the Jillaroos' youngest at 18 - will make her international debut off the bench after earning the utility role.
Brigginshaw will combine in the halves with Queensland teammate Zahara Temara.
Brisbane winger Julia Robinson makes her Test debut four months after playing her first game of rugby league.
Jillaroos team: Chelsea Baker, Julia Robinson, Jessica Sergis, Isabelle Kelly, Karina Brown, Ali Brigginshaw (capt), Zahara Temara, Heather Ballinger, Brittany Breayley, Elianna Walton, Kezie Apps, Holli Wheeler, Simiana Taufa-Kautai. Interchange: Keeley Davis, Steph Hancock, Annette Brander, Tazmin Gray. 18th: Hannah Southwell.
