Kangaroos Dominate Cook Islands 66-6 to Close Out Pool A Undefeated
The Australian men’s rugby league team delivered a commanding 60-point victory over the Cook Islands in Townsville, finishing the Rugby League World Cup group stage with a perfect record and sending a clear message ahead of the semifinals.
Match Summary: Second-Half Surge Seals Comprehensive Win
On a humid night in North Queensland, the Kangaroos started slowly and found themselves trailing 6-4 early in the contest. The Islanders took an unexpected lead through a Rue Ngatikaura try, with Val Holmes converting to shock the home crowd. However, Australia quickly found their rhythm, with Reece Walsh orchestrating an early response that saw Jack Bostock cross for the opening try.
After a back-and-forth first half that saw the Kangaroos lead 28-6 at the break, the second half belonged entirely to the Australian outfit. They ran in unanswered tries through Tom Trbojevic (hat-trick), Jack Bostock (hat-trick), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (double), Jacob Preston, Kotoni Staggs, Reece Walsh, Isaah Yeo, and Harry Grant. The final score of 66-6 represented a dominant performance, though not without concerning signs.
Star Performers: Walsh Electrifies Despite Fitness Scare
Fullback Reece Walsh was named player of the match for a performance that combined brilliance with moments of vulnerability. The Australian star contributed a try, five assists, and a pair of line breaks, showcasing the creative spark that has made him indispensable to coach Kevin Walters’ plans. His ability to create something from nothing repeatedly broke the Cook Islands’ defensive line.
However, Walsh’s fitness became a talking point after he grabbed at his foot following a conversion attempt in the 27th minute. Despite appearing untroubled while scoring a spectacular team try shortly after, he handed over goal-kicking duties to Cameron Munster for the remainder of the match. The decision raised eyebrows but ultimately did little to dampen his impressive showing, which should quieten calls for James Tedesco to reclaim the fullback position.
Wingers Shine: Trbojevic and Bostock Deliver Hat-Tricks
Tom Trbojevic and Jack Bostock both finished with hat-tricks, providing the Kangaroos with the width and finishing prowess that proved devastating against the Cook Islands’ tiring defense. Trbojevic’s ability to find gaps and create tries from nothing was on full display, though there were moments where he appeared to favor his right foot, raising minor injury concerns mid-match.
Bostock, who switched to center during the season, proved he remains a genuine wing option with his pace and finishing ability. His performance was particularly notable given the Kangaroos’ lack of specialist wingers in the squad, highlighting both his versatility and the team’s fragile depth at the position.
Team Analysis: Strengths and Concerning Signs
The Kangaroos’ attacking output in the second half was exceptional, with 10 unanswered tries showcasing their ability to exploit tiring opponents. Tom Dearden continued his strong tournament at halfback, demonstrating both playmaking ability and defensive grit. Ethan Strange made an impressive debut through the middle, bringing leg speed and ball-playing options that gave the team an extra dimension in the absence of Cameron Murray.
However, the performance was not without significant concerns. The team’s completion rate sat at just 70% at halftime, a figure that would be unacceptable against top-tier opposition. Multiple handling errors from senior players—including Harry Grant and Isaah Yeo—highlighted a lack of polish that must be addressed. The defensive lapses that allowed Cook Islands to score early and create chances throughout the first half were particularly worrying.
The Backline Depth Question
Perhaps the most concerning takeaway from the match was the lack of genuine wing cover in the squad. With Tom Trbojevic—himself barely a winger—representing the primary option at the position, any injury to the experienced campaigner would leave Australia dangerously exposed. The situation is compounded by the fact that Jack Bostock only made the switch to center this year, and there are no specialist wingers in the current squad.
This structural weakness was highlighted by multiple commentators during the broadcast and represents a significant risk heading into the knockout stages, where squad depth and flexibility will be crucial.
Semifinal Outlook: Date Set, Opponent Unknown
The Kangaroos will play their semifinal on Sunday, November 8 at the Sydney Football Stadium. However, their opponent remains uncertain until the outcome of the Tonga versus Samoa clash on the following evening. With Pool A completed undefeated, Australia has secured top position and will await the result of what promises to be a crucial Pacific Islands matchup.
Coach Kevin Walters will be hoping for a much cleaner performance in Sydney, with the team’s completion rate and defensive structure requiring significant improvement before facing either Tonga or Samoa. The attacking brilliance displayed in the second half provides hope, but the sloppy first-half display suggests there is still work to be done.
What We Learned: Four Key Takeaways
- Reece Walsh will be the fullback. The Kangaroos can carry James Tedesco as a luxury on the six-man bench in case Walsh gets hurt or is running cold, but Walsh’s attacking creativity and ability to create opportunities from nothing make him the clear choice for the number one jersey.
- Tom Dearden is the halfback. Dearden was superb throughout the match and looked like the man of the form after the first half. Even when the attack moved away from him, he remained impactful through his defensive efforts. The Cowboys skipper appears firmly established in the number seven jersey.
- The lack of back depth is a genuine concern. Every time an injury-prone Tom Trbojevic looks slightly off, hearts go into mouths because there is zero legitimate wing cover in this squad. He is barely a winger himself, making the situation even more precarious.
- Ethan Strange could have a role to play. Without Cameron Murray, the debutant came on through the middle and made a real impact. His leg speed and ball-playing gave the team an extra dimension. Whether he can co-exist in a team with four locks remains to be seen, but his debut performance was excellent.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Final
With the group stage completed undefeated, the Kangaroos enter the business end of the tournament with momentum on their side. The 60-point victory margin, while achieved against a limited Cook Islands outfit, demonstrates the attacking potential within this squad when everything clicks. The challenge now is to replicate that level of performance against teams that will test them far more thoroughly.
The semifinal at the Sydney Football Stadium offers a familiar venue for many of the players, and the prospect of a potential clash with either Tonga or Samoa promises to be a fierce contest. Both Pacific Island nations have shown they are capable of challenging Australia, making the upcoming Tonga-Samoa clash a must-watch encounter that will determine the Kangaroos’ path to the final.
For now, the Kangaroos can celebrate a comprehensive victory and a perfect group stage record. But as Kevin Walters and his coaching staff review the tape, they will identify numerous areas requiring improvement if they are to go all the way in this tournament.
Context: Tournament Structure Under Scrutiny
The unusual tournament structure—with Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Cook Islands in Pool A, while England, Samoa, and Tonga fight for two more semifinal spots in a combined Pool B and C—has come under criticism. England, despite winning their past two games by a combined 104 points, now relies on Tonga beating Samoa by 46 points to progress. This scenario has led many to suggest this will be the last time this format is used in future Rugby League World Cups.
Meanwhile, the Wheelaroos (Australia’s wheelchair rugby league team) delivered an emphatic 102-14 victory over New Zealand in Wollongong, with captain Bayley McKenna scoring four tries and multiple players recording hat-tricks. The Kiwi Ferns also advanced, overcoming a determined Papua New Guinea Orchids side 34-12 by halftime, with the final score seeing New Zealand prevail comprehensively.
Conclusion: A Statement Win With Work to Do
The Kangaroos’ 66-6 victory over the Cook Islands represents both a statement of intent and a reminder of the work required. The attacking brilliance displayed in the second half is world-class, but the sloppy first-half display and structural concerns at wing position cannot be ignored. As they prepare for the semifinals, Australia knows they are capable of beating anyone on their day—but they also know they will need to be significantly better to go all the way.
The tournament now moves toward its climax, with the Tonga-Samoa clash set to determine Australia’s semifinal opponent. One thing is certain: the Kangaroos will be ready, but so too will their opponents. The road to the final is set, and the real test is only just beginning.
This article was compiled from live match coverage and analysis published on October 31, 2026. All statistics and details reflect the situation at the time of writing.
Sports, News, Rugby League, Entertainment, Australia, Cook Islands, Townsville, Rugby League World Cup, Kangaroos, Reece Walsh, Tom Trbojevic, Jack Bostock, Kevin Walters, Semifinals, Tonga, Samoa, Sydney Football Stadium
