Jillaroos’ Bremner out of World Cup semi

Australian star Sam Bremner is in danger of not taking any part in the Rugby League World Cup after being ruled out of Sunday’s semi-final against Canada.

Bremner is yet to play in the tournament because of a niggling leg injury and was expected to make her return at Southern Cross Group Stadium against the Ravens.

The star fullback looked unhindered and got through Saturday’s captain’s run in Wollongong but ruled herself out after consulting the team’s physiotherapist.

She rates herself still only “80 per cent”, making it difficult for coach Brad Donald to select her in next week’s final should the Jillaroos advance, as expected.

Nakia Davis-Welsh, who debuted in the tournament opener against the Cook Islands, has been named at fullback and would be difficult to displace.

Bremner has six days to get her body right but it would be a tough call to bring her in given her lack of game time.

“That kid, to sit on the sideline and watch three games of the World Cup and not play and for her to still have that attitude, it’s a credit to her,” Jillaroos skipper Steph Hancock said.

“She’s so happy-go-lucky. No one can make Sammy Bremner sad. She is just one of a kind. That’s what makes our team, having kids like that.

“No matter how bad she’s going, you couldn’t tell, it’s just no negative vibes. It’s all positive.”

Isabelle Kelly and Meg Ward have returned to the Jillaroos backline with Corban McGregor moved from fullback to centre.

Caitlin Moran comes back in at halfback, while Hancock and Talesha Quinn slot into the forwards

The Jillaroos were ruthless against Canada last week, racking up their biggest ever score with Karina Brown, Zahara Temara, Vanessa Foliaki and Elianna Walton all posting hat-tricks.

Asked how the side was avoiding complacency, Hancock said: “To fire yourself up you’ve got to think, ‘Mate, if I play well enough in this final, I’m going to get a jersey in the World Cup final’.

“I don’t think you need any more motivation. You play just because you love it and for those guys that don’t make it, you know you want to play for them as well.”

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