Dally M winner Kernick dropped from Australian squad

The Sydney Roosters second-rower claimed her maiden Dally M Medal last week, and was close to best on field in her club's 32-28 grand-final win over Cronulla on Sunday.

But that somehow did not help her cause at the selection table, dropped from the Australian side after their last-start loss to New Zealand last year.

On the comeback trail from injury, Kezie Apps was named for Australia. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)

Instead, Donald has opted to go with veteran Kezie Apps on return from a season-ending knee injury and NSW State of Origin teammate Yasmin Clydsdale. 

Mahalia Murphy was also preferred over Kernick for her versatility, after featuring in one Test for the Jillaroos in 2015 and playing second row at Parramatta this year.

"Liv is probably not too far off, she was on the bench for NSW this year as well and she will be the next one in if something went down," Donald said.

"When you've got the captain in your position in Kezie Apps, it's quite difficult. Then the versatility (of) Mahalia as well.

"There is some change ... we lost our first game in nine years last year against (New Zealand).

"I've spoken to all of the incumbents, there are five who didn't make the squad and they are all very disappointed and know what they have to work on."

Kernick was not the only star overlooked, with Jaime Chapman also dropped despite being named NSW's Origin player of the year last month.

Chapman has been hampered by a hamstring injury this season at Gold Coast, but has been cleared to play in a Prime Minister's XIII match against Papua New Guinea this weekend.

"Her form has been a little bit off because of those injuries, but another one that could step up if needed," Donald said.

Sydney Roosters hooker Keeley Davis, Cronulla star Emma Tonegato and North Queensland dummy-half Emma Manzelmann are the other incumbents to miss out.

Kennedy Cherrington and Caitlin Johnston are also unavailable.

Parramatta No.1 Abbi Church, Cronulla hooker Quincy Dodd, Newcastle Olivia Higgins and Wests Tigers prop Sarah Togatuki are all in line for possible debuts.

Ali Brigginshaw is expected to be fit after requiring finger surgery, and could play lock or in the halves depending on how Donald uses Tarryn Aiken and Lauren Brown.

Tamika Upton has kept the fullback jersey ahead of Sam Bremner, with the retiring Sydney Roosters star not considered as planning continues for the 2026 World Cup.

AUSTRALIA SQUAD FOR WOMEN'S PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS

Kezie Apps (capt) , Ali Brigginshaw (capt), Tarryn Aiken, Lauren Brown, Abbi Church, Yasmin Clydsdale, Quincy Dodd, Millie Elliott, Jessika Elliston, Olivia Higgins, Keilee Joseph, Isabelle Kelly, Shannon Mato, Mahalia Murphy, Tiana Penitani, Julia Robinson, Simaima Taufa, Jess Sergis, Sarah Togatuki, Tamika Upton, Jakiya Whitfeld.