Dally M Medal winner Olivia Kernick has opened up about the moment she found out she had been dumped from the Jillaroos for the upcoming Pacific Championships.

Kernick had been enjoying a dream week, winning the Dally M Medal on Wednesday, then scoring the opening and game-winning tries in the Roosters’ NRLW grand final victory over Cronulla on Sunday.

But she was a shock omission from the 21-woman squad when it was named on Monday, putting a dampener on celebrations and, according to News Corp, sparking an investigation by the Australian Rugby League Commission.

Speaking on the Upfront podcast alongside Roosters teammates Millie Elliott and Keeley Davis, Kernick said the team was enjoying their post-premiership party.

But Elliott added: “Until the Jillaroos squad came out.

“It was a bittersweet day,” Kernick said.

The 23-year-old played in the Jillaroos’ triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign and in both games of last year’s Pacific Championships.

The back rower was also a key part of NSW’s State of Origin campaign, starting all three games at lock, alongside back rowers Yasmin Clydsdale and Kezie Apps, both of whom made the national team, leaving Kernick and Caitlan Johnston as the only starting Sky Blues forwards to miss out.

Jillaroos coach Brad Donald incorrectly said while explaining the decision that Kernick came off the bench in Origin.

“Don’t tell me Brad Donald didn’t watch the Origin games, and he’s the Australian coach. Tell me that didn’t happen,” Penrith great Greg Alexander said on his SEN radio show, pointing out Kernick wore number 15 in the first two games but was elevated to the starting side.

Kernick admitted she was disappointed to have missed out but glad she was with her premiership teammates when she got the bad news.

“You know what? It was sad and I know what I need to work on,” she said.

“I was with my teammates and I actually enjoyed the rest of the day. I had a good time.

“Disappointed for myself but so happy for the girls and can’t wait to cheer them on. Obviously would’ve loved to have been in there with you girls.

“We’ve worked really hard this year, we’ve all dialled in, we’ve all made so many sacrifices in our relationships, families. It’s been such a big year for all of us.”

While Kernick missed out, Elliott is set to play her first game for Australia since 2019, joining fellow Roosters Tarryn Aiken, Jess Sergis and Isabelle Kelly in the squad.

The Jillaroos will face Papua New Guinea in the first game of the Pacific Championships at Brisbane’s Lang Park on Friday, October 18, followed by the Kangaroos’ clash with Tonga.