Australia won a fourth consecutive Women’s Rugby League World Cup with a 34–10 victory over New Zealand at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on November 15, powered by Jaime Chapman’s first-half hat-trick.
The Jillaroos scored all their points before half-time, building a 34–6 lead that proved decisive despite a scoreless second half. Chapman was named player of the match after taking her tournament tally to 13 tries, NRL.com reported.
Chapman’s hat-trick sets up the victory
Chapman and Shaylee Bent crossed inside the opening six minutes as Australia quickly took control. By a drinks break midway through the first half in Brisbane’s heat, the Jillaroos led 24–0.
Chapman’s finishing ranged from an acrobatic dive into the corner to a powerful 70-metre run. Her three tries lifted her career total to 18 in 10 Tests, according to the NRL match report.
Jess Sergis added a 70-metre solo try, while fullback Tamika Upton combined with Abbi Church on the right edge to complete Australia’s six-try first half.
New Zealand’s first-half response came through Shannon Mato. Mackenzie Wiki added a late try for the Kiwi Ferns, Brisbane Times reported.
Kiwi Ferns tighten defence after the break
Australia threatened to extend its lead early in the second half, with Tarryn Aiken going close and another opportunity ending when Olivia Kernick’s final pass went astray. New Zealand nevertheless kept the champions scoreless after the interval.
The Kiwi Ferns had only 42 per cent of possession in the opening half but finished with an even share overall. Their improved defensive performance came too late to overcome Australia’s early advantage.
Eight Jillaroos ran for more than 100 metres. Sergis led with 198 metres, followed by Chapman with 151 and Isabelle Kelly with 142. New Zealand had two players above that mark: Apii Nicholls with 112 metres and Leianne Tufuga with 107, NRL.com reported.
Raecene McGregor and Kaiyah Atai were sent for head injury assessments in the final 15 minutes, while Nicholls suffered a hamstring injury. Being sent for an assessment does not itself establish a concussion diagnosis.
Fourth consecutive crown and a winning farewell
The victory followed Australia’s titles in 2013, 2017 and 2022. New Zealand won the first three women’s tournaments, making this final a contest for the outright lead in championships, ABC Sport’s coverage noted.
Australia had reached the decider after overcoming an early 8–0 deficit to beat Fiji 30–14 in the semifinal. The final provided a much faster start, with the Jillaroos establishing their winning margin before the interval.
The result also gave prop Millie Elliott a victorious farewell in her final rugby league game, according to NRL.com. Jess Skinner’s side retained the trophy with a 24-point win over its trans-Tasman rival.
