Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Jillaroos open World Cup campaign with 40-0 win over Samoa
Australia beat Fetu Samoa 40-0 in the opening round of the Women's Rugby League World Cup at CommBank Stadium.
The Jillaroos are seeking a fourth consecutive World Cup title.
Five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher made her Test debut and was named player of the match after helping set up two tries and scoring 12 points.
Samoa were playing their first World Cup since 2008, and eight players made their international debuts for the team.
Australia led 28-0 at halftime, but Samoa defended strongly in the second half and Australia’s captain called the performance scrappy.
The win extends Australia’s unbeaten run to almost three years, while captain Isabelle Kelly said the team would learn from the match as the tournament continues.
Australia began its Women’s Rugby League World Cup campaign with a 40-0 win over Fetu Samoa.
Jocelyn Kelleher starred on her Test debut, earning player-of-the-match honours and contributing two try assists and 12 points.
Australia led 28-0 at halftime after scoring five tries in the first half.
Samoa defended strongly after the break but could not score, and Jessica Sergis scored Australia’s final try in the closing minutes.
The result extended Australia’s unbeaten run to almost three years.
- Who
- Australia’s Jillaroos and Fetu Samoa.
- What
- Australia won 40-0 in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup opening round.
- When
- October 16, 2026.
- Where
- CommBank Stadium.
- Why
- Australia were opening their World Cup campaign as they pursued a fourth consecutive title.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Jaime Chapman scored Australia’s opening try.
Australia led 28-0 after scoring five tries.
Keilee Joseph scored after Olivia Kernick set her up.
Jessica Sergis scored Australia’s last try to complete the 40-0 win.
- Final score
- Australia 40, Fetu Samoa 0
- Halftime score
- Australia 28, Fetu Samoa 0
- Jocelyn Kelleher
- Two try assists and 12 points on her Test debut
- Jaime Chapman
- Scored Australia’s first try in the 11th minute
- World Cup campaign
- Australia was pursuing a fourth consecutive title
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What people are saying
(Jocelyn's) kicking game was amazing, she took her opportunities and we couldn't have asked for more on debut for the Jillaroos in a World Cup
The scoreline didn't reflect our effort as a team
We weren't at our best but it's only the first game together
It was a very tough battle … Samoa gave it to us for the whole 70 minutes