Jillaroos labelled 'cocky' heading into Kiwi Ferns clash

Kiwi Ferns centre Jules Newman has labelled the Jillaroos "cocky" heading into Friday night's Test match at WIN Stadium.

Fresh off the Kiwi Ferns' inaugural World Cup 9s upset victory over the Jillaroos, Newman is ready to resume hostilities in the 80-minute format when she makes her international debut.

The former rugby union player marked up against Isabelle Kelly in the World Cup 9s final and was seen directly pointing towards the Golden Boot winner after scoring a second-half try in the 17-15 victory.

"I had to let her know we were out there to win," Newman told pan66.com.

"It wasn't just for myself but our whole team, friends and family who have supported us from the start.

"We wanted to let Australia know we're not here to muck around. I think they came out a little bit cocky [in the final].

"It was evident from the kick-off they came out thinking that they had the game already which was a really big mistake.

"We went out with the intent to win and run direct because they don't like physicality."

While not referring to Kelly directly, Newman said she was up for any challenge thrown her way.  

"A lot of people get caught up with names and titles but I don't really care," Newman said.

"Whoever I come up against I don't care about their stats. I care about the present and how I can try and get one over them."

Newman is relatively unknown to the 13-player game but remained aware of Australia's recent dominance over the Kiwi Ferns.

She only switched codes to play rugby league earlier in the season and became a regular for the Warriors' NRLW campaign.

"I'm loving it, it's been a hard journey coming from rugby union where I know the game inside out to playing league where I'm having to learn a whole new playing style and terminology," Newman said.

"I'm playing alongside girls I've never played with before and I'm trying to learn on the run.

"But I've found a passion for the game. We've built a good bond and I'm hungrier to see where I can go with the sport."

The Kiwi Ferns will chase their first Test match victory over the Jillaroos in three years after they were narrowly defeated 24-22 in the corresponding clash last year.

"I'm excited about this Test match coming off the win, we're going to keep creeping up and peak," Newman said.

"Morgs [Kiwi Ferns coach Justin Morgan] will bring us down to ground this week and keep our focus on the job at hand."