Ali Brigginshaw has already had an outstanding 2018 campaign, and it is set to get even better after being named the new captain of the Jillaroos.

Fresh from leading the Brisbane Broncos Women's team to premiership glory in the inaugural NRLW, she will now captain her country against the Kiwi Ferns in Auckland on Saturday.

The news however is bitter sweet as it comes through the injury of Sam Bremner who is unable to fulfil her role as captain due to a broken toe sustained in the NRLW.

Brigginshaw says she is drawing inspiration from one of women's greatest rugby league players in Karyn Murphy ahead of the match.

Murphy, who is now an assistant coach, played 27 internationals for Australia in a wonderful career which saw her captain the side 17 times.

Withย Brigginshaw playing under Murphy for both Australia and Queensland, she says she is the person she has learnt the most from.

"I can't go past Karyn Murphy. She is a great leader and just having her here now she is helping me out and showing me how it works. I will always look up to her," Brigginshaw told the media.

"She doesn't necessarily talk too much, just leads by example on the field, which is something I plan to do. I am not the loudest talker but I will definitely lead the way on the field.

"We are good friends so anything I have doubts about I can ask her a question about how I can lead better. I have really modelled my game on her game."

Brigginshaw has achieved all there is to achieve in the game and was not too sure what news she was about the receive when called upon by coach Brad Donald.

The 28-year-old said when Donald asked her for a chat, she didn't know what to expect.

"I wasn't sure what he was going to say but he said 'you have had a great year and I am excited to let you know you will be captaining the side," Brigginshaw said.

"It just felt really humbling that he was able to see how much hard work I have put in and how I can lead the team in my own way.

"Sammy is not there which is disappointing but I know I will go out and lead by example like she would and do her proud."

Brigginshaw will likely take her place at five-eighth in the halves alongside Zahara Temara as she leads a Jillaroos side full of experience and youth.

Dragons youngster Keeley Davis has been included in the squad with Brigginshaw excited to see what she has to bring on the international stage.

"Keeley will probably come in and take over a bit at nine or in the halves which is really exciting. I am looking forward to playing with her," Brigginshaw said.

"We have some young girls in the side and we need to go out and prove that whoever pulls on that jersey, we can get the job done.

"The Kiwis will be strong, they always are no matter who they have, but I just think it is exciting for us because we have a point to prove also."