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Sport
George Clarke

Jillaroos smash PNG to book WC final spot

Emma Tonegato grabbed a hat-trick of tries as Australia thrashed Papua New Guinea in the World Cup. (Tim Goode/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Emma Tonegato led Australia's demolition of Papua New Guinea as the Jillaroos cruised through to the final of the women's Rugby League World Cup with 82-0 victory in York.

On a foggy and chilly night at the LNER Community Stadium, the Jillaroos ran in 15 tries - Tonegato and centre Isabelle Kelly contributing hat-tricks - as the Orchids' campaign came to an abrupt end.

Australia will play the winner of the other semi-final between tournament hosts England and New Zealand at Old Trafford on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) as part of a finals double header with the Kangaroos and Samoa men.

Tonegato played at fullback but will likely come off the bench in the final with co-captain Sam Bremner expected to return to the starting line-up.

The victory was Australia's biggest against PNG and was the third time this tournament in which Brad Donald's side have kept an opponent scoreless.

Keeley Davis kicked off Australia's rout when burrowed over from close range and by the time half-time came around the Jillaroos led 40-0

Kelly had her hat-trick with Evania Pelite, Shaylee Bent, Shenae Ciesiolka and Olivia Kernick following her and Davis over the whitewash before the break.

The half-time break didn't halt the trouble for PNG, with Jessica Sergis going over straight after the interval, Ciesiolka added one more and Tonegato chimed in with her hat-trick.

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