Australia Dominates Cook Islands 66-6 to Complete Unbeaten Group Stage

The Australian Kangaroos wrapped up their Rugby League World Cup Pool A campaign with a commanding 66-6 victory over the Cook Islands at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on Saturday night. Playing in front of 19,172 fans, the defending champions scored 12 tries to one to finish the group stage completely undefeated.

The match did not start entirely according to plan for Australia, who suffered a late pre-game blow when forward Cameron Murray was ruled out due to general soreness and a mild illness, with David Fifita stepping onto the bench. The Cook Islands capitalized on some early handling errors and a clunky opening period from the Kangaroos, taking a brief 6-4 lead after hooker Ruatapu Ngatikaura burrowed over from dummy half in the 10th minute and Valentine Holmes successfully kicked the conversion.

That six-minute advantage proved to be the highlight for a spirited Cook Islands side before the tournament favorites found their rhythm. Tom Dearden, seizing his opportunity in the starting seven jersey ahead of Sam Walker, orchestrated a swift turnaround. Dearden delivered a decisive break that allowed winger Tom Trbojevic to reclaim the lead for Australia in the 18th minute.

Prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui quickly followed with a try from a Trbojevic pass, and Dearden soon set up center Kotoni Staggs. A break by Jacob Preston allowed Reece Walsh to score, with Cameron Munster taking over goal-kicking duties after Walsh appeared to battle an ankle injury. By halftime, the Kangaroos had built a commanding 28-6 lead.

Australia completely pulled away in the second half, posting six consecutive tries up to the hour mark. Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic both secured impressive hat-tricks, while Fa’asuamaleaui crossed for his second of the night via a 40-meter solo effort. Preston also scored after a break from Munster, and debutant Ethan Strange made a strong impact after coming off the bench as a lock forward in the 45th minute. Harry Grant crossed for a final try in the closing minutes to seal the 66-6 final scoreline.

Despite the lopsided score, Australian coach Kevin Walters noted that his team still has room for improvement as they look ahead to the knockout rounds. The Kangaroos will now advance to a sudden-death semi-final at Allianz Stadium in Sydney next Sunday night, where they will face the loser of the upcoming matchup between Tonga and Samoa.

For the Cook Islands, the defeat concluded a challenging campaign, though the team earned respect for their competitive efforts throughout the group stage. Thirty-seven-year-old Brad Takairangi bowed out of international play with a memorable performance, reminding supporters of his enduring talent on the field.