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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Jack Snape

Australia crush England in women’s Rugby League World Cup statement win

Australia’s Isabelle Kelly celebrates a try as the Jillaroos crush England in their 2026 women’s Rugby League World Cup clash at HBF Park in Perth
Australia’s Isabelle Kelly celebrates a try as the Jillaroos crush England in their 2026 women’s Rugby League World Cup clash at HBF Park in Perth. Photograph: Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images

The Jillaroos sent a reminder to English rugby league that it is losing touch with the best in the world with a 78-0 hammering in Perth. The 15-tries-to-none victory confirmed the gulf in athleticism and skill between the two hemispheres, and reminded fans the rugby league universe now orbits the Pacific.

The one-sided result showed last year’s 90-4 embarrassment in Las Vegas was no outlier, and England’s women’s team must urgently refocus in time for next week’s showdown with Samoa if they hope to reach the semi-finals.

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