Australia beat England 78–0 at Women’s Rugby League World Cup

AI-generated illustration.

Australia overwhelmed England 78–0 in Perth on Saturday, scoring 15 tries in their second Women's Rugby League World Cup group match. The defending champions led 36–0 at half-time at HBF Park and kept England scoreless throughout a one-sided contest.

Jaime Chapman, Jocelyn Kelleher, captain Isabelle Kelly and Abbi Church each crossed twice. Kelleher also kicked nine conversions, taking her personal contribution to 26 points as Australia followed their opening win over Samoa with another comprehensive performance.

England's problems began immediately when they were penalised for being offside at the kick-off. Chapman then supplied Australia's opening two tries. Anna Davies appeared to have offered England a response in the corner, but her effort was disallowed because she had gone into touch.

Tamika Upton repeatedly opened up the defence with her running and distribution. Kelleher's two first-half tries helped stretch the lead, while Julia Robinson, Kelly and Church also scored before the interval. England could neither contain Australia's attacking options nor convert their own limited opportunities into points.

The scoring continued after the restart. Tarryn Aiken, Olivia Kernick and Quincy Dodd all crossed, and Makenzie Weale marked her international debut with a try. Tiana Penitani Gray and Shaylee Bent also got on the scoresheet, while Church and Kelly completed their doubles.

England now face a decisive group match against Samoa next week, with the Rugby Football League describing the encounter as a winner-takes-all contest for a semi-final place. Their 70–6 opening victory over Wales had supplied a confident start, but Saturday's result leaves Stuart Barrow's team needing an immediate recovery against another Pacific opponent.

Sources

• England Women fall to defeat against Australia — Rugby Football League
• Jillaroos beat England 78–0 in Perth — ABC Sport (2026-10-24)
• Australia v England, Women’s World Cup Round 2 — NRL match centre