Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu is confident of a World Cup return against the USA as the skipper races the clock to be fit.
Palu has been on the sidelines since the O’Reilly Cup after a nasty landing trying to stop a try against the Black Ferns.
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The Brumbies superstar has relocated to Sydney for the time being as she does everything she can to be fit for the crunch match against the Americans on August 30.
“Recovery's going really well….we're looking to be out of the boot before next week,” she said.
“A best-case scenario would be at the end of this week, and so we're actually tracking really well.”
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp confirmed Palu will lead the side at the World Cup when she is fit, with Emily Chancellor taking the role in the interim.
It’s a stark contrast from the last event, where the former centre was an unused squad member in the run to the quarter-finals.
“It definitely feels a little different this time. Obviously, the first World Cup I actually didn't play any of those games and that was just purely based on selections and so three years from there I've just felt like I've grown so much as a rugby player and I'm feeling a lot more confident about it as well,” Palu remarked.
“I knew I had value to add to this team and so I think it's easy for us to sit back and just let coaches tell you where you play but in some parts you actually do have to take a step up and be more proactive with what you want in your career.
“I was very persistent and determined that I wanted to play rugby, and if it meant moving positions, then I'd do anything, and since then it's been a blessing in disguise.”
Now, Palu is relishing the chance to lead the Wallaroos out in front of sold-out crowds against the hosts, England.
“There's always an honour when you lead your country and lead your team but for myself I think it's really important to make sure I'm physically ready and prepared but I have to trust that 'Chance' [Emily Chancellor], who's been doing a great job already, will step up and take that ownership if she needs to,” she added.
“I can't really describe how it'll feel until I get there but I know for sure if that was to happen, how much of a turn it has been since the last World Cup we've been to.”
