For Keara Bennett, being selected in England's squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup is the dream.
Having been part of the England setup since 2022 and around the national side during the last World Cup on home soil, Bennett admits the moment she learned she would be heading to Australia for the 2026 tournament was an emotional one.
“I think I cried when I found out I’d made the squad. It was just a surreal feeling, and something I've been working for the last couple of years - since probably the last World Cup,” Bennett said.
“I got a real taste of what the international team were about and just want to be competing for my country against the best in the world.
“It’s a great achievement for me and my family and they’ve been there every step of the way. It’s a great opportunity to go and represent them, represent where I come from and just go out there and enjoy myself.”
England Women begin their World Cup campaign against Wales in Perth this Saturday, with excitement building throughout the squad as they prepare for rugby league's biggest stage.
For Bennett, reuniting with teammates old and new has only added to the anticipation:
“I think it's an exciting new group - probably one that's different from the France game and the Vegas game we previously played.
“It's exciting to get some new players in and have the likes of Fran [Goldthorp], Hollie [Mae-Dodd], Roachy [Georgia Roche] back and then obviously the additional odds that are coming to play for us. So that's exciting in itself.
“I think we will go really well together and I'm looking forward to just playing as an England unit out there.”
Few opportunities in the sport come bigger than a World Cup in Australia, and Bennett is eager to make the most of every moment as she prepares to represent England Down Under:
“I get goosebumps - my dream is just to play for my country and to be at the country where rugby league is the biggest in the world, I think that's exceptional in itself. Just being in a new environment, playing week in, week out against some of the toughest games I'll ever play in my career, is amazing.
“I think that's an exciting challenge for myself, when I just want to keep being better as a player and a person. So, I’m looking forward to that.”
Bennett's passion for the sport began at a young age and, like many players of her generation, she has witnessed first-hand the rapid growth of the women's game.
From playing alongside boys as a youngster to now helping create opportunities for girls through her work away from the field, she is proud of the progress that has been made and the platform this World Cup provides:
“I've always been rugby league obsessed.
“I grew up in a team where I had to play with boys and now, in my life and job, it's to try and get as many girls teams as I can.
“I think the pedestal we're creating and being put on this platform is allowing us to inspire the next generation and it's a privilege for us to go and have that opportunity out in Australia - the same as the men, and just be broadcasted all over the world. It's incredible.”
Like any player heading to a World Cup, Bennett has ambitions of success, but is also focused on making the most of every moment that comes with representing her country in front of a global audience:
“We want to go and do it all. Everyone wants to go and do it all, don’t they? I think we've just got to concentrate on ourselves but just pulling on the shirt and singing the national anthem - I’m just going to take in every moment in as much as I can and enjoy it, because who knows, it might be the first and last opportunity I get to do it, especially in Australia.
“I’m looking forward to experiencing it with a great group of girls.”
Bennett's World Cup dream has become reality. The next step is taking to the field in an England shirt once again and embracing an opportunity she has worked years to achieve.
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!
