Abbi Church powers Australia to win over Fiji as hosts reach Women’s Rugby League World Cup final
Australia advanced to the Women’s Rugby League World Cup final after overcoming an early scare to defeat Fiji 30-14 at Lang Park. Playing in their first World Cup, Fiji stunned the hosts by seizing an 8-0 lead inside 20 minutes—the first time since the 2013 final that the Jillaroos failed to score first in a tournament fixture. Fiji’s surge was orchestrated by 23-year-old playmaker Luisa Yaranamua, who kicked a penalty goal and scored from dummy half, supported by captain Sereana Naitokatoka and prop Lorren Ieli.
The Jillaroos leveled the score before half-time through tries from winger Abbi Church and Tamika Upton, before seizing full command in the second half guided by Tarryn Aiken. Church finished with a four-try haul, featuring a sharp finish off an Aiken kick and a late runaway sprint to seal the contest. Jaime Chapman also crossed the line but later exited with a quad injury, creating concern ahead of next week's decider.
Fiji added a late consolation try through Maria Paseka, but Australia held firm to secure their spot in a fifth consecutive final against New Zealand. The result preserved the Jillaroos' three-year unbeaten run while concluding a memorable debut campaign for the Bulikula.
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