Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner has declared Jesse Southwell is ready to play for Australia, labelling the 20-year-old halfback the future of the women’s game.

The playmaker’s in line to make her Test debut in the Pacific Championships, as one of five uncapped athletes in the 21-player squad.

Long considered the best rising talent in the NRLW, Southwell’s call up comes after Sydney Roosters star Tarryn Aiken had her season ended early with a knee injury.

But, it is likely she would have found herself in the squad anyway, with the Brisbane-bound Newcastle star always viewed as a Jillaroo-in-waiting.

Skinner has known Southwell since her teens, having been an assistant at the Knights when the youngster first made her mark.

She also coached her in the Prime Minister’s XIII last year.

“She

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