Jillaroos duty: Davis delays start of coaching career

Sydney Roosters hooker Keeley Davis has revealed she sacrificed the first weeks of her professional coaching career to join Australia's charge to the Pacific Cup final.

Davis initially missed selection in Brad Donald's squad for the Pacific Championships but kept fit on the off chance she may be required as injury cover.

When Lauren Brown went down in last month's Prime Minister's XIII match, Donald recalled the 2024 NRLW premiership winner, set for her first cap of the series in Sunday's final against New Zealand.

"Definitely at first it was extremely disappointing (to miss out) and after the grand final win it was definitely a bit up-and-down," Davis told AAP.

"But it was so good to get the call-up and just wanted to stay nice and fit and ready in case that was an option.

"I just didn't want to let myself really relax until the whole thing was over, just in case. I'm glad I did that now."

The late call-up meant Davis had to miss the opening weeks of her new gig in charge of the Roosters' under-19s women's team, which competes in the Tarsha Gale Cup.

Davis has a strength and conditioning background and had worked briefly with the Illawarra Steelers' Tarsha Gale Cup team during her five seasons at St George Illawarra.

But 2025 will mark her first season as a head coach, with Roosters teammate Corban Baxter mentoring the under-19 team for its first few weeks of pre-season in Davis' absence.

"I'm disappointed not to be able to be there for their first couple of weeks," Davis said.

"I would've been spending a lot of time helping them and coaching them so I've just had to try and do that from afar and plan in advance."

On staff in the Roosters' office by day, Davis is hopeful of a career in coaching after she finishes playing.

"It's definitely something at this stage I hope to do in the future," she said.

"I like the idea of it right now but we'll see if I actually like doing it. I feel like I'm really passionate about helping develop young girls and passing on the knowledge I've learned over the years."

Players could be in for a rude awakening if they expect 24-year-old Davis to bring an affable presence to training.

"I don't think I'll be overly friendly, to be honest. I'm not too sure, I'm interested to see for myself," she said.

"I just want to really help them learn and develop as players and get them prepared for NRLW, and make sure they learn as much as they can."