Australia beat England 78-0 at Women's Rugby League World Cup

Australia defeated England 78-0 at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday in Group A of the Women's Rugby League World Cup. BBC Sport reported that the defending champions scored 15 tries after leading 36-0 at half-time.

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England conceded an offside penalty at kick-off and then sent another restart out of play. Jaime Chapman scored twice early on, including a finish from Jocelyn Kelleher's high kick. Anna Davies subsequently had an apparent England try disallowed because her knee had touched the sideline.

Kelleher, Chapman, Abbi Church and Isabelle Kelly each finished with two tries, while Kelleher kicked nine goals. Tarryn Aiken, Olivia Kernick and Quincy Dodd were among Australia's second-half scorers. Shaylee Bent scored the final try as England remained without a point.

Julia Robinson also scored before leaving with a wrist injury. BBC Sport reported a fracture. England lost Eva Hunter to an ankle injury.

Robinson's appearance marked her 15th Test for Australia. In a separate report published before the match, NRL.com detailed her move from the wing into the centres for the Perth fixture. The 28-year-old, the reigning Golden Boot winner, had spoken about the significance of representing the Jillaroos and reaching that milestone during a World Cup campaign. She said that even one international appearance was an honour and expressed pride at joining teammates who had reached representative milestones. Her comments also stressed a desire to keep expanding the game's audience and showcase the team's ability to new supporters.

NRL.com also reported that Jess Skinner's squad had spent the week connecting with Western Australian rugby league supporters. Their preparations included an open training session at North Beach Rugby League Football Club and an opposed session involving local female players. Robinson had described the visit as an opportunity to introduce more people to the team and encourage attendance.

England next face Samoa on Friday with semi-final qualification at stake. Australia meet Wales in Sydney on Sunday, according to the Guardian.