The Kangaroos overcame a first-half scare to lead the Cook Islands 28-6 at the break in their Rugby League World Cup match at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, scoring five tries after briefly trailing 6-4.
The match started poorly for Australia when a Liam Martin error and a Harry Grant penalty allowed Cook Islands hooker Rua Ngatikaura to score beside the posts after 11 minutes, putting the underdogs ahead 6-4. The Kangaroos quickly restored order as Tom Dearden broke a tackle and sent Tom Trbojevic over in the right corner, and Reece Walsh converted to regain the lead at 10-6.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui crashed over for a third try after a Valentine Holmes error, and Jacob Preston cut through the Cook Islands defence before Australia threw the ball wide and Kotoni Staggs scored in the corner for a 22-6 lead. The best try came from a 70-metre effort finished by Walsh after Preston charged upfield and found support runners.
Walsh had three goals, Cameron Munster another, and Dearden collected two try assists. Australia, who had already sealed a semifinal spot before the match, had given away two errors and three penalties in the early stages. The Cook Islands had made a bright start against New Zealand last week before conceding 82 points.
The match is the Cook Islands' final game of the World Cup.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Australia’s commanding first half cements their status as tournament favourites.
- The Cook Islands showed early promise but could not sustain pressure against the defending champions.
- The result leaves the Cook Islands on the brink of elimination from the World Cup.
Background
The Rugby League World Cup is under way, with Australia as defending champions. The Cook Islands, a Pacific island nation, earned a place in the tournament and earlier gave New Zealand a scare before losing heavily. Australia entered the match already assured of a semifinal spot.
What to Watch
- Australia’s semifinal opponent and whether they can maintain their form.
- The Cook Islands’ final group stage outcome and their chances of progressing.
- Upcoming matches that will shape the knockout rounds.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 2 sources: 11 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedAustralia led the Cook Islands 28-6 at half-time after an early scare.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “After conceding the second try of the game and briefly finding themselves behind on the scoreboard, the Australians have lived up to expectations to lead 28-6 after a five-try performance in the first half.”
- SupportedThe Kangaroos recovered from a shock deficit to dominate the first half.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “After conceding the second try of the game and briefly finding themselves behind on the scoreboard, the Australians have lived up to expectations to lead 28-6 after a five-try performance in the first half.”
- SupportedAustralia scored five tries in the first half.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “lead 28-6 after a five-try performance in the first half.”
- SupportedThe match was played at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “Australia, already guaranteed a semifinal spot, play the Aitu at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.”
- SupportedRua Ngatikaura scored beside the posts after 11 minutes, putting the Cook Islands ahead 6-4.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “He scores beside the posts and Val Holmes makes no mistake adding the extras. Shockingly, the Cook Islands have the lead in this game early. ... Cook Islands 6, Australia 4 after 11 minutes”
- SupportedA Liam Martin error and a Harry Grant penalty allowed the Cook Islands to get into attacking territory for Ngatikaura’s try.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Some sloppiness from Australia – a Liam Martin error and a Harry Grant penalty – allows the Cook Islands to get into attacking territory”
- SupportedTom Dearden set up Tom Trbojevic’s try, and Reece Walsh converted to put Australia ahead 10-6.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Tom Dearden, who breaks a tackle and draws the last defender before sending Tom Trbojevic over for a try in the right corner. Reece Walsh lands this conversion ... Australia 10, Cook Islands 6 after 19 minutes”
- SupportedTino Fa’asuamaleaui scored Australia’s third try after a Valentine Holmes error.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Tino Fa’asuamaleaui crashes over for Australia’s third try following a Valentine Holmes error.”
- SupportedJacob Preston broke through the defence before Kotoni Staggs scored in the corner to make it 22-6.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Jacob Preston makes a terrific, weaving run through the middle of the Cook Islands defence, and then with the underdogs on the back foot the Aussies throw the ball wide to the right, Kotoni Staggs taking a pass in plenty of space to score in the corner. ... Australia 22, Cook Islands 6 after 28 minutes”
- Partly supportedThe best try was a 70-metre effort finished by Reece Walsh after Jacob Preston charged upfield and passed to him.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “The Kangaroos produce their best try so far, a slick 70-metre effort seemingly out of nowhere. ... Preston charges upfield and looks inside where three Kangaroos support players are waiting, and sends a pass to Reece Walsh who runs clear to score.”
- SupportedAustralia had already secured a semifinal spot before the match.RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “Australia, already guaranteed a semifinal spot, play the Aitu at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.”
- SupportedThe Cook Islands’ match against Australia was their final game of the World Cup.RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “The Cook Islands have one more game to play at the Rugby League World Cup and it's against the defending champions.”