Australia’s Women’s Rugby League team, the Jillaroos, have won the World Cup, beating New Zealand’s Kiwi Ferns and securing their third consecutive championship at Old Trafford in Manchester over the weekend.
The 54-4 victory proves Australia’s dominance of the women’s game on the international stage.
The first try of the match was secured by Jessica Sergis at the sixth minute, before Isabelle Kelly scored, followed by Julia Robinson, then Kelly again.
By the halftime mark, Australia was leading 20-0.
In the second half, tries were also made from Tarryn Aiken, Emma Tonegato, Evania Pelite, and a double from Kennedy Cherrington.
Veteran halfback and co-captain, Ali Brigginshaw was awarded Player of the Match.
“That was unbelievable from all the girls,” Brigginshaw said after the win. “It was defence focused and I’ve never been part of a group that can defend like that, that was special.”
“We never rest in defence, we let them cross once and we’re kicking ourselves about that. All the people that said I was too old I’m still here and I’m going to play (at the 2025 World Cup) in France. We’re going to celebrate this one tonight.”
New Zealand’s coach Ricky Henry told reporters after the match the game had been “a tough one”.
“To Australia’s credit, they played really well today. It’s a big stage and a little bit of a learning experience for us,” Henry said. “We’ve got a young squad and I hope in 2025 they’ll be better prepared to have a crack at it.”
“You’ve got to be ruthless, and that’s what they were — we didn’t have that. We’re proud of what we did prior to this but they showed a different class today.”
Commentators believe Australia’s excellent performances are due largely to the country’s domestic competition, the NRLW, and the increasing funding it’s received in the past several years.
By contrast, not a single player in England’s Women’s Super League was paid in 2022, though Leeds Rhinos has announced plans to change this next year.