Walsh hat-trick sends Australia past Samoa and into World Cup final

AI-generated illustration.

Reece Walsh scored a hat-trick as Australia beat Samoa 44–12 in Sydney on Sunday, 8 November to reach the men’s Rugby League World Cup final against New Zealand.

The defending champions scored eight tries at Allianz Stadium, turning an early two-point deficit into a 26–2 half-time lead. Walsh added two of his three tries after the interval as the Kangaroos secured their place in next Sunday’s decider in Brisbane.

Stephen Crichton’s penalty put Samoa ahead, but Australia quickly took control. Tom Dearden opened their try scoring with a dummy from a scrum before Jacob Preston and Tom Trbojevic also crossed. Walsh then broke through for his first and Bradman Best added Australia’s fifth try before the break.

Samoa had a potential response disallowed during that first-half surge when Francis Manuleleua was judged to have knocked on while challenging for a high ball. Their position deteriorated further when prop Spencer Leniu was sent to the sin bin for dissent after Best’s try.

Crichton did score early in the second half, taking advantage after Walsh dropped a high kick. The Australian fullback answered with another try, collecting Harry Grant’s short pass and breaking through Crichton’s tackle to help restore a comfortable lead.

Izack Tago supplied Samoa’s second try, but Australia again responded. A move involving Trbojevic, Dearden and Cameron Munster ended with Walsh completing his hat-trick, before Jack Bostock scored the final try.

Australia will meet New Zealand for the trophy on Sunday, 15 November. For Samoa, the defeat ended their attempt to return to the final after finishing runners-up at the previous World Cup in 2022.

Sources

• NRL: Australia beat Samoa to reach the World Cup final (2026-11-08)
• ABC Sport: Completed coverage of Australia’s semi-final win