Australia launched its women’s Rugby League World Cup title defense on Friday night with a commanding 40-0 victory over Fetu Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Sydney, driven by standout performances from debutant five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher and veteran playmaker Tarryn Aiken.
The Jillaroos kicked off their campaign for a fourth consecutive world crown in front of a passionate western Sydney crowd. Despite an ill-disciplined opening 10 minutes that allowed Samoa early attacking opportunities, Australia shut out their opponents in a seven-try rout, building a comfortable 28-0 lead by halftime.
Jocelyn Kelleher Shines on International Debut
Playing at five-eighth, Jocelyn Kelleher marked her first appearance for the Jillaroos with a player-of-the-match performance that vindicated coach Jess Skinner’s selection choices, which included leaving Ali Brigginshaw out of the squad and Jesse Southwell out of the matchday 18. Kelleher orchestrated the attack alongside new halves partner Tarryn Aiken, contributing two try assists and converting six of seven goal attempts.
Australia opened their Women’s IRL Rugby League World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, running in seven tries to secure a dominant victory over Samoa earlier today.📖 MATCH REPORT | https://t.co/BnKJLEAmGa pic.twitter.com/yKHVZLTFmO
It’s a dream come true. Was in the squad last year, but got my debut jersey this year. So excited and so happy to be here.
Jocelyn Kelleher, ABC Sport
Kelleher noted after the match that we still have a lot of things to fix from today as the team looks ahead to next week’s clash against England. Australia’s squad also featured Queensland State of Origin centre Ivana Lolesio, while Samoa’s side included Taliah Fuimaono and Evania Isa’ako, both of whom had previously played for the Jillaroos, with Isa’ako having run out for Australia in the 2022 World Cup final and scoring the final try. Premiership-winning prop Amber Hall, who scored in the Roosters’ victory over the Broncos two weeks ago, also featured for the opposition.
First-Half Tries Build an Unassailable Lead
For a brief early moment, it looked like the contest could deliver an upset before a dropped ball by fullback Destiny Mino-Sinapati with space to the left ended their best scoring chance and let Australia escape.
Sua Fa'alogo has FOUR! 🔥#RLWC26 pic.twitter.com/yTD6PXbV6d
Seven minutes later, Australia’s greatest ever try scorer, Julia Robinson, lived up to her reputation when she beat three would-be defenders for her 23rd Jillaroos try in 14 appearances following an Aiken long ball.
The Australian right flank struck again as smooth passing created room for edge forward Shaylee Bent to sprint clear unchallenged for the third try. Shortly after, just four minutes later, Keeley Nizza burst from dummy half with fancy footwork to cover 30m all the way to the try line. When Amber Hall was penalised for crowding in the ruck, powerhouse lock Olivia Kernick made her pay by finishing off slick lead-up play from Kelleher, sealing a dominant 28-0 halftime lead at CommBank Stadium.
Australia vs Samoa | Women's Rugby League World Cup 2026 | Watchalong & Reactions
Samoan Resilience Defends the Second Half
Another error from Hall handed Australia the ball from close range in the opening five minutes of the second period, and Kernick took the ball to the line before finding Keilee Joseph in support to crash her way over the line. Centre Jessica Sergis added a final try in the 67th minute to cap the 40-0 scoreline and extend the team’s almost three-year unbeaten run.
Despite the lopsided score, Samoa showed defensive grit in the second half, defending their goal-line twice and putting up some charging sets into attacking positions after it would have been easy to throw in the towel. The highlight of the evening might have been the crunching tackle on Tiana Penitani Gray by 18-year-old teenage debutant winger Freedom Crichton Ropati, who shot off the line to lay some impressive shots.
Photo: Theguardian
It was a bit scrappy from us in bits there. But it’s the start of the tournament, a new team playing together, so I’m excited to see what comes next.
Isabelle Kelly, Australia Captain
Samoa finished the match with 40 per cent possession and 627 fewer run metres, walking away with their heads held high after conceding just two tries in the second half. The night that featured the Samoan men's team defeating France 78-4 in a high-scoring exhibition had low crowd attendance at CommBank Stadium, with many seats empty despite an energetic audience.
Upcoming Pool Matches in Perth and Sydney
Samoa remain in Sydney to take on Wales.
WATCH | Australia vs Samoa LIVE | Women's Rugby League World Cup 2026 | Women's Rugby LIVE
TALE OF THE TAPE 🔥 Fetu Samoa and the Jillaroos kick-off their #RLWC26 campaigns tonight at Commbank Stadium. Who you got?! Secure your seat 🎟️ Tickets from $19* – Available via link in bio #IHGhotels pic.twitter.com/CS1GMBAWjr
The quest for four in a row begins | Australia v Samoa, Rugby League World CupAustralia W vs Samoa W Women's Rugby World Cup Group A Commentary & Watchalong Scores Live
