Australia Opens Women’s Rugby League World Cup Defense With 40–0 Win Over Samoa

Australia opened its Women’s Rugby League World Cup title defense with a 40–0 victory over Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on October 16. The Jillaroos scored seven tries and led 28–0 at halftime, with debutant Jocelyn Kelleher named player of the match. Kelleher partnered Tarryn Aiken in the halves, while Tamika Upton supplied three try assists and four line-break assists. Captain Isabelle Kelly ran for 198 metres as Australia began its campaign. Australia next faces England in Perth, while Samoa remains in Sydney to play Wales.