Arabic version: أستراليا المرشحة لإحراز لقب كأس العالم للسيدات للمرة الثالثة توالياً

According to ABC News, Australia enters the women’s Rugby League World Cup as the strong favourite to claim a third consecutive title, beginning its campaign against Samoa in Parramatta.

The Jillaroos have won 15 of their past 16 matches since their 2017 World Cup triumph over New Zealand. They have not conceded more than two tries in a match since 2018 and won all five games at the previous World Cup by a combined 312-12, including a 54-4 final victory over the Kiwi Ferns.

Australia’s squad includes nine players from this year’s NRLW Dally M Team of the Year. Tamika Upton, Olivia Kernick, Tarryn Aiken, Isabelle Kelly and Jess Sergis are among the players highlighted as leaders of a side that has set a high standard in the women’s game.

New Zealand is regarded as the team with the most realistic chance of challenging Australia. The Kiwi Ferns handed the Jillaroos their sole recent defeat in 2023 and lost by six points in one match last year. Samoa, making its World Cup debut, has also strengthened through diaspora players and improved pathways into the NRLW.

England will meet Australia in Perth next week after losing 90-4 in Las Vegas last year. Fiji will also make its World Cup debut, while Papua New Guinea seeks to continue its recent progress. The tournament is again being staged alongside the men’s World Cup, though the women’s competition is viewed as increasingly capable of standing alone.