The Jillaroos have won their fourth consecutive Rugby League World Cup, defeating the Kiwi Ferns 34-10 in the final at Brisbane. Flyer Jaime Chapman set up the victory with a first-half hat-trick, scoring three tries inside 31 minutes.
The Jillaroos ran in six tries in the first half to lead 34-6 at the break, with Chapman, Shaylee Bent, Tamika Upton and Jess Sergis all crossing the line. The Kiwi Ferns scored through replacement forward Shannon Mato and winger Mackenzie Wiki, the latter a late try after an error from Isabelle Kelly. The second half was scoreless for 25 minutes before Wiki's try.
“I'm pretty good, I'm pretty hot,” Chapman told Seven at half-time. “I'm happy with how the game is going, but it's not done yet and we've got to come out and fire.” On the heat in Brisbane, she added: “It feels like Bali, I'm going there next week.”
The Kiwi Ferns struggled to contain Australia's attack, making just two linebreaks to the Jillaroos' nine. Errors crept in during the second half.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The Jillaroos' fourth straight title confirms Australia's sustained dominance in women's rugby league, setting a benchmark for the sport globally.
- The match showcased the growing profile of women's rugby league, with a World Cup final played in front of a Brisbane crowd and broadcast nationally.
- The victory builds momentum for the code's development programs and could influence investment in grassroots and professional pathways for women players.
Background
The Rugby League World Cup women's final was held on November 15, 2026, in Brisbane. The Jillaroos entered the match seeking their fourth consecutive title, having won every edition since the women's tournament began. New Zealand's Kiwi Ferns were the only side considered capable of challenging Australia's hold on the trophy.
What to Watch
- Whether the Jillaroos can extend their streak to five titles at the next World Cup, and which nations may emerge to close the gap.
- The impact of this performance on the professionalisation of women's rugby league in Australia, including potential increases in funding and participation.
- Future match-ups between Australia and New Zealand in Test series, which will be the primary measuring stick until the next World Cup.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 10 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedChapman said at half-time: “I'm pretty good, I'm pretty hot,”Brisbane Times - Latest News: ““I’m pretty good, I’m pretty hot,” Chapman told Seven.”
- SupportedChapman said at half-time: “I'm happy with how the game is going, but it's not done yet and we've got to come out and fire.”Brisbane Times - Latest News: ““I’m happy with how the game is going, but it’s not done yet and we’ve got to come out and fire.””
- SupportedChapman said of the heat: “It feels like Bali, I'm going there next week.”Brisbane Times - Latest News: “On the heat, she adds: “It feels like Bali, I’m going there next week.””
- SupportedThe Jillaroos beat the Kiwi Ferns 34-10 in the final.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “The Jillaroos have smashed the Kiwi Ferns 34-10 to claim their fourth straight World Cup.”
- SupportedThe Jillaroos won their fourth consecutive Rugby League World Cup.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “The Jillaroos have smashed the Kiwi Ferns 34-10 to claim their fourth straight World Cup.”
- SupportedThe final was in Brisbane.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Jaime Chapman on her way to a first-half hat-trick in the World Cup final in Brisbane.”
- SupportedJaime Chapman scored a first-half hat-trick, with her third try coming in the 31st minute.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “She’s got a first-half World Cup final hat-trick.”
- SupportedAustralia dominated the final.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Half-time! What a remarkable performance from the Aussies, who are `bidding to win their fourth straight world title. They’re half-way there, it’s 34-6 at half-time.”
- Not in the sourcesThe final was a women's final.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Rugby League World Cup final LIVE: Chapman hat-trick powers Jillaroos to fourth straight title”
- SupportedThe Jillaroos led 34-6 at half-time after scoring six first-half tries.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “That’s the Jillaroos’ sixth of the half. This time it’s the fullback Tamika Upton who scores.”
- Partly supportedThe second half was scoreless for 25 minutes before Wiki's try.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “After 40 points were scored in the opening 35 minutes, there’s not been a point scored in the 25 minutes of the second half.”
- SupportedThe Kiwi Ferns made two linebreaks to the Jillaroos' nine.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “It’s just the Kiwis’ second of the afternoon, the Jillaroos have made nine.”