The Women's Rugby League World Cup has kicked off in Sydney with defending champions Australia taking on Fetu Samoa. The Jillaroos, considered heavy favourites for the match, are aiming to secure another World Cup trophy on home soil.
Despite Australia's strong position, coach Jess Skinner acknowledged the increasing competitiveness of other nations, stating, "It’s going to be a lot tougher for us this year, but we are up for the challenge." Skinner also highlighted Samoa's potential, noting their exciting performance against the Kiwis in the last Pac Champs.
Fetu Samoa features eight players from the Gold Coast Titans NRLW team, suggesting strong team connections. The match at CommBank Stadium saw emotional scenes during the anthem, with several Samoan players visibly moved as they represented their country.