Trbojevic hat-trick sends Australia into semi-finals as Isaako sets Kiwis record

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Tom Trbojevic scored a second-half hat-trick as Australia beat Fiji 36–22 in Brisbane on Sunday to secure a Rugby League World Cup semi-final place. Earlier, Jamayne Isaako set a New Zealand men’s Test record with 38 points in an 82–16 victory over Cook Islands.

Australia faced a sustained challenge at Suncorp Stadium, where Fiji twice moved ahead of the defending champions. Kotoni Staggs opened the scoring, but tries from Semi Valemei and Taane Milne put the Bati in front before Sam Walker’s converted try restored Australia’s advantage to 12–10 at half-time.

Valemei’s second try brought another Fiji lead early in the second half. A subsequent effort by Solomone Saukuru was disallowed for obstruction, and Australia responded through Trbojevic before Walker’s penalty goal edged them ahead.

Trbojevic then completed his treble, although Fiji continued to threaten. Valemei’s own hat-trick reduced the deficit to 30–22 before Jacob Preston scored the try that secured Australia’s victory. Fiji play New Zealand on the Gold Coast next Saturday for the remaining Pool A semi-final place, while Australia finish their group campaign against Cook Islands in Townsville.

In Christchurch, Isaako scored three tries and converted 13 of New Zealand’s 14 tries. His 38-point total surpassed Tasesa Lavea’s previous national record of 32, also achieved against Cook Islands, in 2000.

The Kiwis had to recover from an early setback despite the final margin. Esom Ioka scored all three Cook Islands tries, briefly putting his team 16–12 ahead before New Zealand recovered to lead 36–16 at the interval.

Debutant Tanner Stowers-Smith marked his first Test with two tries, as did Casey McLean and Ronaldo Mulitalo. The victory was New Zealand’s first of the tournament following their narrow opening defeat by Australia.

Sources

• NRL: Australia overcome Fiji to reach the semi-finals (2026-10-25)
• ABC Sport: Australia v Fiji live report and New Zealand result
• NRL: Isaako scores a record 38 points for New Zealand (2026-10-25)
• Total Rugby League: New Zealand beat Cook Islands in Christchurch