Brad Donald's future as Jillaroos coach is under threat as the NRL prepares to finalise an investigation into a disparaging comment allegedly made in front of players. Donald, coach of Australia's women's team since 2016, has endured a turbulent few months after making headlines last October when he controversially dropped Dally M medallist Olivia Kernick from his Pacific Championships squad.
![[The investigation into Jones' conduct comes after the bizarre decision to drop Dally M medallist Olivia Kernick (pictured) from the Pacific Championships squad]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/24/03/94462733-14320105-The_investigation_into_Jones_conduct_comes_after_the_bizarre_dec-a-26_1737688549372.jpg)
But AAP understands a separate incident has been the subject of an internal NRL investigation involving the league's human resources department since that tournament. The matter has reached as far as the desk of Australian Rugby League chairman Peter V'landys and will be finalised as soon as next week when a final call will be made on Donald's future.
![[Australian Rugby League chairman Peter V'landys has become involved in the investigation as the league is expected to make a call on Donald's future]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/24/03/94462741-14320105-Australian_Rugby_League_chairman_Peter_V_landys_has_become_invol-a-27_1737688549378.jpg)
It comes as Jillaroos players prepare for a one-off Test in Las Vegas in March, having been added to the card of the NRL's season-opening US showpiece event. Sources have told AAP the issue relates to Donald allegedly using an expletive to refer to a journalist in front of players, while airing frustrations about coverage late last year.
![[The timing of the investigation is not great for the Jillaroos who are just weeks away from playing an historic match in Las Vegas]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/24/03/94462735-14320105-The_timing_of_the_investigation_is_not_great_for_the_Jillaroos_w-a-28_1737688549599.jpg)
Australian Jillaroos coach Brad Jones faces an uncertain future over allegations he made inappropriate comments about a journalist in front of the national team. The investigation into Jones' conduct comes after the bizarre decision to drop Dally M medallist Olivia Kernick (pictured) from the Pacific Championships squad.
