Skinner making seamless transition as Jillaroos boss

Jess Skinner has made quite an impression on Australian co-captain Kezie Apps ahead of her first match in charge of the Jillaroos in Las Vegas.

Long-time assistant Skinner was thrust into the hot seat when previous coach Brad Donald was fired less than a month from the historic Test against England.

Donald had come under scrutiny by the NRL for a disparaging comment made about a journalist in front of the playing group.

But if Skinner is daunted by her new appointment, the women's Indigenous All Stars coach has not let on.

"She's awesome, I think it's just her personality and her cool, kind demeanour," Apps told AAP in Las Vegas.

"She's just being herself, she's not trying to be anyone else. She's just being the coach that she is.

"This was a great transition for her and we knew that she'd be up for it. Hopefully we can get a win for her and set her season up for a great start."

Skinner, who has also served on Newcastle's NRLW coaching staff, has indicated her hopes of holding the job on a permanent basis as the Jillaroos prepare to defend their title at the 2026 World Cup.

Fullback Tamika Upton believes she is up to the task.

"This is something she's more than ready for and something she's been striving for. I'm excited for her," Upton told AAP.

Concerns had surrounded Apps' ability to participate in the match when she sat out part of a field session earlier in the week with strapping on her knee.

But AAP has been told the second-rower is not in doubt for Australia's first Test against England since 2017 - before the formation of the NRLW.

The strong contingent of travelling English fans chanted at the Jillaroos during their appearance at the NRL's Fan Fest in downtown Las Vegas on Friday night (AEDT).

Apps expects a hostile atmosphere at Allegiant Stadium when the Jillaroos run out for the third of four games on the schedule.

"I hope they are very vocal when we're playing them as well, and backing their English women," she said.

"The more eyes on our game, the better for us."