Teagan Levi’s potential participation in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup is emerging as a point of contention between the Jillaroos and Rugby Australia. The Gold Coast Titans star, currently on a one-season contract with the NRl Women’s Premiership (NRlW), faces uncertainty over whether she will be able to represent Australia at the World Cup later this year.

Levi, who has made a significant impact since her Round 1 debut, has quickly established herself as one of the competition’s standout players. Her contributions include four tries, four try assists, 37 tackle breaks, and five line breaks, helping the Titans secure a strong third-place position on the NRlW ladder. This strong start has placed Levi on the radar of national selectors as they prepare for the World Cup.

The 22-year-old, soon to turn 23, has previously expressed aspirations to become a dual international by representing Australia both in rugby league and rugby sevens. However, her current multi-year contract with Rugby Australia for the sevens program complicates her availability. Levi’s NRlW deal expires on October 31, after which she is expected to return to sevens training ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Any participation in the World Cup would require approval from Rugby Australia, which has strict protocols concerning player movement between the two codes. While Levi was permitted a one-season stint in the NRlW, previous requests from sevens players to switch to rugby league temporarily have often been denied. Allowing her to join the Jillaroos at the World Cup could therefore present a significant challenge in negotiations.

Several former players have chosen to leave Rugby Australia’s sevens program permanently to pursue careers in rugby league, but Levi remains committed to her sevens teammates and completing her existing contract. There is a possibility she could decline World Cup selection to avoid jeopardizing her Olympic ambitions.

The final decision will depend on Levi balancing her immediate desire to represent Australia in rugby league against the long-term goal of competing in the Olympics as a sevens player. With the Jillaroos preparing for a major tournament and Levi in peak form, the coming weeks will determine whether she can add a dual international title to her burgeoning career.