Kelleher stars on debut as Jillaroos open World Cup with 40-0 win over Samoa

Australia opened the Women's Rugby League World Cup 2026 with a 40-0 win over Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on Friday, 16 October. The Round 1 tie was played in front of a home crowd expecting a statement. The holders delivered one, without conceding a point NRL.

The story was Jocelyn Kelleher. The five-eighth — one of the two halves who steer the attack — made her Australia debut and ran the show. She had a hand in two tries and was named player of the match The Guardian.

Her kicking was just as sharp. She landed a conversion in the 18th minute to stretch the lead to 12-0. She finished with six goals from seven attempts. In league, a conversion is the kick at goal after a try, worth two points on top of the four for the try itself.

Australia, known as the Jillaroos, did most of their damage early. They added only two tries after half-time. Tarryn Aiken, at halfback alongside Kelleher in the No. 7 shirt, helped keep the tempo up as Samoa tired.

Tries came across the team. Jaime Chapman, Julia Robinson, Keely Nizza, Shaylee Bent and Keilee Joseph all crossed. Joseph's score came after a short, sharp pass from Olivia Kernick close to the line. Captain Isabelle Kelly led the side out in a new-look backline.

For Samoa, the night was about return as well as result. It was their first match at a Women's Rugby League World Cup since 2008. Their squad included Taliah Fuimaono and Evania Isa'ako, who had previously played for Australia.

Australia coach Jess Skinner had made big selection calls before a ball was kicked. Veteran Ali Brigginshaw was left out of the World Cup squad, while Jesse Southwell was omitted from the 18 for this game.

What makes this stand out is the control. Samoa defended bravely in patches but never found a way through. For fans, this means Australia head to Perth to face England next with momentum and a fresh playmaking pair already firing.