Jillaroos cruise to opening win
Australia launched their Women's Rugby League World Cup defence with a 40-0 victory over Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Sydney. The Jillaroos scored six tries in a dominant first half but added only two after the break. Debutant Jocelyn Kelleher, playing at five-eighth, kicked six conversions from seven attempts and contributed to two tries, earning the player of the match award. Coach Jess Skinner's decision to omit Ali Brigginshaw from the squad and Jesse Southwell from the matchday 18 was vindicated by Kelleher's assured performance.[S1]
Kelleher benefited from familiar combinations, with several Roosters NRLW premiership-winning teammates around her. Halfback Tarryn Aiken played second receiver, while lock Olivia Kernick, bench hooker Keely Nizza, front-rower Millie Elliott, centres Jess Sergis and captain Isabelle Kelly all featured. Samoa, competing in their first World Cup match since 2008, started with energy and earned repeat sets early, but a dropped ball from fullback Destiny Mino-Sinapati proved costly. Australia capitalised immediately, with Jaime Chapman and Julia Robinson crossing before Kelleher's sideline conversion and a bomb that led to Shaylee Bent's try.[S1]
Samoa's resilience and a sparse crowd
Samoa's squad included former Jillaroos Taliah Fuimaono and Evania Isa'ako, the latter having scored in the 2022 World Cup final, as well as Queensland State of Origin centre Ivana Lolesio and premiership-winning prop Amber Hall. Despite the scoreline, Samoa defended bravely in the second half, keeping Australia out on multiple occasions. Prop Laikha Clarke came within millimetres of scoring late, and teenage winger Freedom Crichton Ropati produced a crunching tackle on Tiana Penitani Gray. Australia's captain Isabelle Kelly admitted her side was scrappy at times but expressed excitement for what lies ahead.[S1]
The evening also saw the men's Samoa side thrash France 78-4, but the biggest disappointment was the low attendance at CommBank Stadium. The passionate Samoan community in western Sydney made noise, yet tens of thousands of empty seats underscored that interest in the tournament has room to grow. Australia's next pool match is against England in Perth next week.[S1][S2][S3]
