Rugby League Dominance: Australia’s Jillaroos Crush Papua New Guinea 84-0
The Pacific Championships opener was a one-sided affair, with Australia’s Jillaroos thrashing Papua New Guinea 84-0 in a record-breaking performance. Julia Robinson stole the show with a historic six-try night, leading her team to a crushing victory.
A Night to Remember
Robinson’s incredible display was matched by her teammate Jakiya Whitfeld, who scored five tries, surpassing Sam Bremner’s previous high of four tries set two years ago. The Jillaroos scored a record 17 tries in total, with Robinson and Whitfeld dominating the scoreboard.
A David vs. Goliath Battle
The Papua New Guinea team, formed in 2017, was no match for the full-strength Australian squad. With only one NRLW regular, Elsie Albert, and 10 players based in PNG, the Orchids struggled to keep up with the Jillaroos’ pace. Despite their valiant effort, they suffered a suspected ACL tear to La-Toniya Norris-Addo in the first half.
A Handy Tune-Up Ahead of New Zealand Rematch
Although the scoreline was lopsided, the game served as a valuable warm-up for the Jillaroos ahead of their rematch with New Zealand in a fortnight. The team’s ability to score 84 points without their captain, Ali Brigginshaw, who was a late scratching due to a finger injury, bodes well for their upcoming matches.
PNG Coach Tahnee Norris Weighs In
Despite the defeat, PNG coach Tahnee Norris remained optimistic about the usefulness of the fixture, citing the need for her team to experience the high standards required to play at this level. She also highlighted the importance of an NRLW side in Port Moresby, which is part of the pitch to have an NRL team based in the country by 2028.
A Glimpse of Hope for PNG
In a separate match, Australia’s schoolgirls side defeated the Junior Orchids 14-4 in Port Moresby, providing a glimmer of hope for the future of Papua New Guinea rugby league. As Norris noted, “These girls need to know how hard it actually is and the standards needed to play at this level.”
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