Jillaroos merit selection caps off memorable season for South Coast pair

The coach and his fellow Jillaroos selectors chose the merit team based on form throughout the NRLW premiership and Friday night's State of Origin clash - in which Queensland won 24-18.

"It was tough [to select the merit side] ... It's not necessarily the team that we would take if we played a game tomorrow," Donald told NRL.com.

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"[But] it's a World Cup year next year and that means taking away 23 players.

"If we were going away, those 17 would all get a start, they'd all be on the plane.

"I think they've all worked hard enough."

The merit forward pack boasts plenty of firepower with Boyle and Filomina Hanisi up front and experienced campaigner Apps and Tallisha Harden joining Southwell in the back-row - with Moss Vale's Chelsea Lenarduzzi on the bench.

"Millie's been solid the last two years," Donald said.

"She was really solid through the NRLW season.

"Herself and Chelsea Lenarduzzi were great for the Broncos and they were both great on Friday night as well.

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"The back-rowers - Tallisha Harden had a great season and she was great again last night just continually digging into the line.

"And Kezie tried her guts out which is pretty standard from Kezie in any team."

Other notable selections saw Dally M Player of the Year Ali Brigginshaw named at halfback alongside her Broncos teammates and Queensland match-winners Tarryn Aiken (five-eighth) and Tamika Upton (fullback), while Evania Pelite and Kennedy Cherrington were chosen despite not playing Origin.