Propped up: Elliston puts her hand up for higher honours

Despite the Jillaroos having a strong lineup of forwards, both starting props, Shannon Mato and Millie Elliott, are currently unavailable as they embark on family journeys. This situation opens the door for Elliston to make her case for inclusion in coach Jess Skinner's squad.

Having been the 18th player in last year's Pacific Championships finals victory against New Zealand and this year's impressive win over England in Las Vegas, Elliston is optimistic that her current form will earn her a spot in the 17-player roster.

Before that, however, they must face the Knights, a team that has historically posed challenges for them, with the Jillaroos winning only one of their last seven matches against them. Their latest encounter was a nail-biting Round 10 loss, where they fell short 28-22 in the last moments of the game. The most devastating defeat for them was in the 2023 grand final.

The Jillaroos are set to begin their Pacific Championships campaign next month, kicking off with a significant double header at Suncorp Stadium on October 26. They will face Fetu Samoa in their first match, followed by a game between Samoa and Tonga.

In addition to striving for a chance to return to the grand final, two Titans will be celebrating important milestones. Second-rower Jasmine Solia will be playing in her 25th NRLW match, while captain Georgia Hale, who shares a room with Elliston during away games, will play her 50th match-making her the first New Zealand player to reach this milestone.