After making her NRLW debut with Canterbury Bulldogs in 2025, young forward Hope Millard is preparing for the next chapter in her rugby league journey as she prepares to represent England at the Rugby League World Cup.
Hope Millard’s rugby league journey has already taken her from the junior pathways of Illawarra to the professional ranks of the NRLW. Now, the young forward is preparing to take another significant step as she pulls on an England shirt at the Rugby League World Cup.
A rising talent with the Canterbury Bulldogs, Millard is one of the new faces in England’s squad, bringing valuable experience from NRLW despite her young age.
But her call-up is about more than just an opportunity to test herself on the international stage. It also represents a chance to follow in the footsteps of her father, Shane Millard, and represent the country where her rugby league story began.
Millard first started playing rugby league in 2020, aged just 15, and progressed through the Illawarra pathways before earning her opportunity in the NRLW.
In 2025, she made her debut for the Canterbury Bulldogs, quickly establishing herself as a regular in the side. Comfortable playing in the front row or at loose forward, she has developed into a hard-working middle forward in one of the toughest competitions in the women’s game.
The experience of competing against established players has been central to her development.
“Going against the older women, especially the girls who have been playing in rep teams, and playing footy in general, I’ve learned a lot about what is needed at a professional level,” Millard said.
“Hopefully I can use my skills and what I’ve learnt throughout my journey in this team.”
That experience will be valuable as she steps into the international arena, where England will be looking to make a strong start to their World Cup campaign.
While Millard’s rugby league career has been built in Australia, her connection to England stretches back to before she was born.
Her father, Shane, enjoyed a successful career in Super League during the early 2000s, representing Widnes Vikings, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and the London Broncos.
His time in England meant Millard was born in the country, making her eligible to represent the national team through her heritage.
Now, with the opportunity to represent England, she can add a new chapter to her family’s rugby league story.
The call-up from England head coach Stuart Barrow came as a surprise, but Millard was delighted to have the opportunity.
“It was very exciting. I don’t think we were expecting it – I put my name forward and I was lucky enough to be selected,” she said.
“I’m just grateful to be here.”
For a young player still establishing herself at the highest level, the chance to represent England at a World Cup offers an opportunity to learn, develop and make her mark on the international game.
Millard is not the only member of her family making a name for herself in the NRLW, with her sister, Jayme, plying her trade for the Dragons.
With both sisters playing professional rugby league, the sport has become a central part of family life – and Hope’s England call-up gives her own journey a distinctly international dimension.
Having grown up around the game and learned from the demands of the NRLW, she now has the opportunity to bring those experiences into an England squad preparing for the biggest tournament in the international calendar.
Despite her experience in the NRLW, joining a new international squad brings its own challenges, particularly for a young player getting to know unfamiliar teammates.
Millard said the Australian based England players had encouraged her to enjoy the experience, stay present and make the most of the opportunity.
“They just told me to enjoy it really. Be present and get to know everyone – that’s what I’m trying to do,” she said.
She has also been encouraged by the welcome she has received since joining the squad.
“Everyone’s been really nice and welcoming. It’s made me feel a lot less scared – I’m someone that’s pretty shy at first, so I think slowly I’ll start to open up, get to know everyone and be more comfortable.”
England prepare to open their World Cup campaign against Wales this Saturday, before facing Australia the following week, and Millard will be looking to make the most of her first opportunity on the international stage.
England Women's fixtures are as follows:
Saturday 17 October
England v Wales – 7.35am
HBF Park, Perth
Saturday 24 October
England v Australia – 10.05am
HBF Park, Perth
Friday 30 October
England v Samoa – 6.45am
WIN Stadium, Wollongong
The top two teams from Group A will progress to the semi-finals, with the Rugby League World Cup Final taking place at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, on Sunday 15 November.
Follow England's journey and watch the 2026 Rugby League World Cup LIVE with a Premier Sports subscription.
Follow England RL on social media for all the latest news and updates - we are on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok. You can also subscribe to the official England Rugby League YouTube channel here!
Wear England's new kit with pride in 2026. Get yours here!
