Two Hat-Tricks in Brisbane as Trbojevic Pulls Australia Clear of Fiji

Two wingers scored hat-tricks in the same match, and the one who finished on the winning side was Tom Trbojevic. He scored three tries for Australia against Fiji at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Fiji's Semi Valemei also crossed three times, in a Rugby League World Cup game that swung back and forth for most of the night.

The wing is the player on each outside edge of the field, usually the fastest runners, so a hat-trick from one of them is a rare sight. Trbojevic and Valemei both did it on Sunday night, in front of 41,108 fans. The Guardian reported the match as a contest that changed hands several times.

Fiji struck first. Taane Milne scored in the first half after a grubber, a kick that skids along the ground, from Brandon Wakeham. Australia hit back through Kotoni Staggs, whose try came from a short ball by James Tedesco. Tedesco was playing his first Test since 2023, and he was involved in several of Australia's best moves.

Fiji took the lead again early in the second half. Valemei scored in the corner after a cut-out pass from Kurt Donoghoe, a quick pass that skips a defender, and the try came after a mistake by Trbojevic. Donoghoe was playing five-eighth, the halfback's partner who often runs the attack from the middle of the field.

Fiji then thought they had another try with about half an hour left, but it was disallowed for obstruction. That is a foul where an attacker blocks a defender who is trying to reach the ball. The decision kept Australia within touching distance.

Australia drew level when Sam Walker and Tedesco combined to send Trbojevic over in the corner. Walker then kicked a penalty goal, worth two points and awarded after a foul, to give Australia a lead they did not give up. Trbojevic's second try came from a Tedesco grubber, and his third arrived with 15 minutes to go, which settled the match.

For Fiji, Valemei's three tries showed how dangerous they could be on the edge, even when the game turned against them. For Australia, the night belonged to Trbojevic, whose finishing was the difference when the scores were level. Both wingers will be remembered for a match that rewarded the player who kept a cool head in the final stages.