Illawarra star Kezie Apps is part of the 24-woman Australian squad that will kick of its title defence against the Cook Islands on Thursday, November 16.

Every group match and both semi finals will be played at Shark Park in Cronulla, with the Grand Final a double-header with the Men’s final in Brisbane.

Australia will also play England and Canada during the group stage of the tournament. Apps on Wednesday said she was over the moon to be selected for the team.

“To get that final phone call to say that I’d made the final 24 was really exciting, and to be here is pretty surreal,” she said.

“Four years ago when I saw that the girls had won the World Cup, that was my inspiration to get into Rugby League.

“To be in the position now to hopefully hold up that World Cup is insane.”

Part of the appeal of the World Cup is the varying nations that will contest the tournament.

“I’m really looking forward to playing someone different,” Apps said.

“That’s what I’m really excited about for this World Cup, to play someone other than New Zealand.”

Due to the abbreviated nature of the Tournament, the girls will play three games in a seven day period, with the possibility of a fourth four days later if they were to qualify for the semi finals.

“As long as we do everything right, we’ve got the right coaching staff and all the right processes in place to make us the best we can be for those games.”