Jessica, who played seven NRLW matches for Wests Tigers last season, has been eagerly watching her sisters’ success. Last month, Nicole and Claire led the Netherlands to a dominant 56-6 victory over Italy, securing a spot in Pool A of the European qualifiers.
The Dutch Lionesses will face off against Ireland at Donnybrook Stadium on May 19 before hosting Wales on June 22. A win in Dublin will pave the way for a showdown with Wales, with a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the Southern Hemisphere on the line. Jessica’s arrival has given the team a significant boost.
“Joining the Lionesses for the World Cup qualifiers has always been my goal,” Jessica told NRL.com. “Playing alongside my sisters in any game is unreal, but representing our family on the field makes it even more special.”
Jessica, 21, has played one game in the NSWRL Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership with Claire, but this will be her first match with Nicole, who plays for the London Broncos. Claire, a standout in the NSW U19s and the recent Women’s National Championships, scored a hat-trick in the victory over Italy.
“This experience has been unlike any other,” Nicole said. “I love this game, and playing with this group of girls has been unforgettable. The bond we’ve formed on the field is incredible. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.”
The Kennedy sisters are eligible to play for the Netherlands through their Dutch grandmother, while fellow Australian Paige Schouw, a Brisbane Tigers player and NRL.com reporter, qualifies through her grandfather.
“We’ve had huge support from our family in Australia and the Netherlands,” Nicole added. “Playing with both my sisters for the first time is going to be an unreal and wholesome experience. Representing our family and heritage with them by my side is an honor.”
The Netherlands played their first women’s international match last December, stunning Greece with a 14-0 victory in Athens. They can secure a place in the play-off for the 2025 World Series repechage with a win against Ireland. Victories over Ireland and Wales would guarantee them a spot in the World Cup, joining powerhouses like Australia, England, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Paige Schouw was named player-of-the-match in their crushing defeat of Italy.
