Poor England suffer another Australia humiliation

England are well beaten by defending champions Australia in their second Women's Rugby League World Cup Group A match in Perth. Jocelyn Kelleher – who was eligible for England – posted 26 points for Australia Tries: Chapman 2, Kelleher 2, Church 2, Kelly 2, Robinson, Aiken, Kernick, Dodd, Weale, Penitani Gray, Bent Goals: Kelleher 9 After talk of lessons learned and improvements made, reality struck fast for England. They conceded a penalty just one second into their match against Australia – as Lucy Murray was two yards offside from kick-off. It set the tone for another humiliating defeat, one which shows the gap to the Jillaroos has not shrunk since the thrashing in Las Vegas in March 2025.

On that occasion, England were 38-0 down at the break before losing 90-4. In Perth, Australia led 36-0 at the interval before winning 78-0. England were not expected to beat World Cup co-hosts and reigning champions Australia in Group A. The Jillaroos have lost one international since 2016. It is quite another thing for England to be as passive and error-prone as they were in this game, limp in the tackle and with questionable body language. Only six of this England squad were in Las Vegas, but quality-wise little has changed. After ceding advantage from the kick-off, England saw off the initial