Australia secured top spot in Pool A of the men’s Rugby League World Cup on Saturday evening, defeating the Cook Islands at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville to book their place in the tournament semi-finals. Entering the match under pressure to improve after unconvincing early victories, the Kangaroos produced a more fluid attacking display in tropical conditions, overcoming an early deficit to seal a comfortable win in their final group fixture.
Played before a half-full crowd in muggy 27-degree heat, the contest began with an early setback for the hosts when Cook Islands forward Ruatapu Ngatikaura dummying his way past defenders to cross for a surprise opening try. Valentine Holmes added the extras, putting the underdogs ahead 6-4 after Jack Bostock had opened the scoring for Australia following crisp lead-up play from Reece Walsh.
Australia quickly wrested control of the fixture, however, asserting dominance through their territorial game and sharp edge-play. Tom Trbojevic crossed in the 18th minute after Tom Dearden unlocked the defensive line, before Tino Fa’asuamaleaui powered over shortly after. Further tries to Kotoni Staggs and Jacob Preston extended the margin as the Kangaroos mounted a 28-6 half-time lead, with Walsh converting effectively from wide angles.
The fixture served as a crucial proving ground for several squad positions. Coach Kevin Walters had opted for Walsh at fullback over James Tedesco and selected Dearden at halfback ahead of Sam Walker, decisions that largely paid dividends as both players orchestrated much of Australia’s attacking shape alongside five-eighth Cameron Munster. Meanwhile, the Cook Islands fought hard despite missing hat-trick hero Esom Ioka to injury, with Brad Takairangi providing inventive kicking options under physical pressure from an Australian pack featuring returning starters in the engine room.
With Pool A concluded, Australia advances directly to the semi-finals alongside New Zealand, which finished second in the group following a commanding 78-0 victory over Fiji earlier in the day. The knockout schedule depends heavily on the upcoming clash between Tonga and Samoa in western Sydney, a fixture that will determine whether the loser faces Australia or New Zealand in the next round.
