Australia have won a fourth consecutive Women's Rugby League World Cup, beating New Zealand 34-10 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on November 15, 2026. Jaime Chapman scored a first-half hat-trick as the Jillaroos handed the Kiwi Ferns a fourth successive defeat in the final. Changing the champions is proving considerably harder than changing the year. SourceSource
Chapman was named player of the match, according to BBC Sport, which reported that her 13 tournament tries set an individual record for a single Women's Rugby League World Cup. Source
The winger opened the scoring in the second minute, Shaylee Bent followed in the fifth, and Chapman crossed again in the 14th. Jess Sergis added Australia's fourth try before Shannon Mato got New Zealand on the scoreboard. Chapman then completed her hat-trick in the 28th minute, with Tamika Upton adding the Jillaroos' sixth try in the 32nd. Source
Jesse Southwell kicked five goals from six attempts, helping Australia reach halftime 34-6 ahead. Source
New Zealand kept the champions scoreless after the break—a substantial response, with the unfortunate catch that the first half still counted. Mackenzie Wiki scored their second try in the closing stages after an Australian error from a kick. SourceSource
“There's no better feeling than winning the World Cup on home turf. We're very proud,” Chapman told Premier Sports, as reported by BBC Sport. “We were connected the first day we came into camp. So many people put so many hard hours into this.” Source
New Zealand co-captain Georgia Hale said: “We didn't quite get the job done today. But the best of the Kiwi Ferns is yet to come, so stay with us.” Source
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