Australia seal place in semi-final

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 26, 2026

Australia defeated Fiji 36-22 in a Rugby League World Cup group match to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Tom Trbojevic’s second-half hat-trick was crucial in breaking the game open, ensuring Australia’s progression with one group game remaining.

Australia secured a place in the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup after defeating Fiji 36-22 in a Group stage match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday. The reigning champions faced strong resistance from Fiji, who matched Australia’s intensity throughout the first half.

The opening period featured tries from Australia’s Kotoni Staggs and Sam Walker, but Fiji responded effectively with scores by Semi Valemei and Taane Milne, keeping the contest closely contested. The match’s turning point came in the second half when Tom Trbojevic produced a rapid hat-trick, helping the hosts pull away decisively.

This victory followed a narrow 24-22 win over New Zealand in Australia’s opening fixture the previous weekend. With the win against Fiji, Australia has confirmed its place in the semi-finals with one group game still to play against the Cook Islands this weekend.

Fiji, despite the loss, has accumulated two competition points after a comfortable victory over the Cook Islands in their opening match last weekend. They now face New Zealand next weekend in what essentially becomes a must-win encounter for a spot in the semi-finals.

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